UC-NRLF 


7DD 


BAYONET  EXERCISE 


WEST  &  JOIIN^f  ON  Publishers, 

llo    >Iain     Streel, 


SKIRMISHERS'  DRILL 


BAYONET  EXERCISE 

(AS    NOW    USED    IN    THE    FRENCH    ARMY), 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  THE  SOLDIER  IN  ACTUAL  CONFLICT. 


COMPILED   AND   TRANSLATED 


FOR  THE   USE  OF    THE    VOLUNTEERS    OF    THE    STATE   OF    VIRGINIA   AND  THE   SOUTH, 


R.    MILTON    QARY, 

LT?  COL.  PROV.  ARMY  VA. 


"  The  bayonet  is  the  weapon  of  the  brave.' 


RICHMOND,  VA: 


145  MAIN  STREET. 

1861. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1861,  by 
WEST    &   JOHNSTON, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Confederate  States  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  Virginia. 


H.    Y'YMCE, 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  accompanying  pages  have  been  compiled  and  trans- 
lated by  the  undersigned  for  the  purpose  of  supplying 
what  he  believes  an  important  want  to  the  volunteers  of 
the  South. 

The  self-reliance  and  personal  courage  so  universal  with 
the  people  of  our  country  will  render  them  equal  to  any 
others  in  the  world,  in  the  capacity  of  light  troops,  pro- 
vided they  are  properly  trained. 

This  little  volume  embraces  the  deployments,  rallies, 
and  assemblies  of  a  company  of  skirmishers,  and  the  drill 
of  the  bayonet  and  sabre-bayonet  now  in  use  in  the  French 
army,  with  such  suggestions  to  the  soldier  in  actual 
conflict  as  are  given  by  French  military  writers.  Those 
suggestions,  and  the  exercise  for  the  bayonet,  have  been 
taken  from  the  official  books  of  instruction  of  that  most 
military  of  all  nations ;  and  the  instruction  for  the  move- 
ments of  skirmishers  has  been  taken  from  the  system  of 
tactics  prepared  by  Col.  Hardee,  late  U:  S.  A.  The  value 
of  the  bayonet  exercise  is  not  a  matter  of  speculation. 
Its  practicability  is  no  longer  an  open  question ;  it  has 
been  brought  to  its  present  actual  efficiency  through  a 
succession  of  trials,  all  of  them  improved  by  practice, 
first  on  the  drill  ground,  and  then  on  the  battle-field. 

It  is  absolutely  necessary  for  light  infantry.  If  at- 
tacked by  cavalry,  when  deployed  as  skirmishers,  they 
must  rely  mainly  upon  their  bayonets.  It  is  important 
that  they  should  understand  the  great  value  of  the  wea- 
pon, and  the  best  mode  of  using  it.  To  show  the  impor- 
tance of  the  weapon,  and  of  instruction  in  its  use,  it  is 
deemed  not  out  of  place  here  to  give  a  brief  sketch  of 


M72470 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

the  origin  and  progress  of  such  instruction  in  the  French 
service. 

In  1828,  the  Superior  Council  of  War  of  France  had 
under  discussion  the  question  of  abolishing  the  light  infan- 
try ;  when,  instead  of  doing  away  with  it,  a  new  impetus 
was  given  towards  promoting  its  efficiency.  After  various 
essays,  the  formation  of  a  special  corps  was  resolved  on, 
in  1838.  The  first  battalion  organized  answered  so  well 
its  purpose,  that  in  1840  ten  battalions  of  twelve  hundred 
and  fifty-nine  men  each  were  formed.  These  are  the  cele- 
brated "Chasseurs  de  Vincennes"  and  "Zouaves"  which 
are  now  fourfold  their  original  numbers.  The  improve- 
ments made  from  time  to  time  have  culminated  in  the 
adoption  of  the  skirmishers'  drill,  rifled  arms,  the  sabre- 
bayonet,  and  the  use  of  the  bayonet  according  to  the 
principles  of  fencing,  as  herein  prescribed.  The  results 
obtained  have  been  even  beyond  expectation.  From  that 
time  the  French  began  to  sweep  before  them  the  fearless 
Arabs  in  Algeria,  in  spite  of  their  almost  fabulous  con- 
tempt of  danger,  and  excellence  in  horsemanship. 

The  Russian  infantry  in  the  Crimea,  and  the  Austrian 
infantry  in  Lombardy,  both  equal  to  any  other  infantry 
of  the  line  in  the  world,  each  in  turn,  were  over-matched 
and  defeated  by  the  French  troops  trained  in  this  drill. 
It  will  be  recollected  that  the  Emperor  of  the  French,  at 
the  opening  of  the  campaign  in  Lombardy,  after  his 
landing  at  Genoa,  issued  a  short  and  telling  proclamation 
to  his  soldiers ;  in  it  he  reminds  them  that,  after  all, 
"they  had  to  rely  on  their  bayonets  for  the  victory  -"  and 
this  is  so  much  the  more  significant,  that  it  fell  from  the 
lips  of  one  who  had  endowed  his  army  with  the  improved 
Minie  rifle,  and  with  those 'rifled  guns  of  his  own  inveo- 
tion /which  made  such  havoc  amongst  the  Austrian  cavalry 
at  Solferino.,  and  were  then  without  rivals  in  the  field, 
since  the  Armstrong  gun  of  the  English  was  not  com- 
pleted, and  was  only  tried  in  actual  service  in  the  late 
China  war. 

Notwithstanding  all  those  advantages,  Louis  Napoleon 
did  not  think  it  out  of  season  to  warn  his  soldiers  just 
before  action,  that  it  is  for  the  bayonet  to  strike  the  deci- 
sive blow.  Thus  far  he  seems  to  agree  with  another  great 


INTRODUCTION.  5 

practical  chieftain,  the  Russian  General,  Souwarrow,  who 
used  to  say,  in  his  picturesque  language,  "  The  bullet  is 
foolish;  the  bayonet  alone  is  wise/' 

These  details  have  been  entered  into  in  order  that  it 
may  be  well  understood  that  the  drill  which  this  book  is 
intended  to  introduce  to  the  volunteers  of  the  State  and 
of  the  South,  is  not  an  unimportant  work  of  fancy,  con- 
trived for  amusement;  but,  on  the  contrary,  is  the  fruit 
of  time  and  experience,  rendered  into  a  practical  form  by 
military  men,  who  all  acknowledge  it  to  be  one  of  the 
most  powerful  agencies  of  modern  warfare. 

This  book  is,  therefore,  nothing  but  a  translation ;  the 
plates  being  fac-similes  of  those  obtained  from  Paris  ; 
and  the  only  merit  which  is  claimed  for  it  is,  that  it  ren- 
ders, in  our  language,  the  latest  and  most  approved  instruc- 
tion for  the  use  of  the  bayonet,  in  connection  with  the 
skirmishers'  drill,  in  a  convenient  form,  and  for  small 
cost.  The  skirmishers'  drill  and  the  bayonet  drill  were 
intended  by  their  inventors  to  go  together.  The  one  is 
incomplete  in  the  absence  of  the  other.  As  bearing  upon 
the  skirmishers'  drill,  we  will  indulge  ourselves  with  an 
extract  from  a  very  remarkable  article  published  in  the 
"  Moniteur  de  I'Armee"  in  1851,  by  a  captain  of  the 
staff,  DuCasse.  He  says  :  "It  was  a  noble  and  admirable 
idea,  that  of  connecting  together  four  men,  neighbors  to 
each  other  in  the  ranks,  under  the  name  of  comrades  in 
battle,  and  to  tell  them,  '  Every  one  of  you  is  bound  for 
the  whole,  and  upon  each  devolves  the  care  of  preserving 
the  life  of  the  three  others/  No  measure  more  apt  to 
foster  that  noble  and  brotherly  feeling,  which  in  the  army 
is  called  esprit  de  corps,  could  have  been  imagined.  The 
idea  of  comrades  in  battle,  acting  in  groups  for  self-de- 
fence, forming  in  the  plain  to  resist  cavalry,  as  many 
little  squares,  each  element  of  which  is  ready  to  fight  to 
the  death  in  order  to  protect  the  life  of  his  brothers  in 
arms,  is  one  of  the  most  successful  among  those  brought 
forth  in  the  organization  of  the  '  Chasseur s-a-pied.J 

"  Called  upon,  by  the  special  purpose  which  they  answer, 
to  fight  nearly  always  isolated,  and  not  by  platoons  or 
battalions,  the  skirmishers  required  an  individual  instruc- 
tion more  thorough  than  that  of  the  other  infantry  men. 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

The  ordinance  made  for  them  has  provided  for  it ;  to  the 
regular  manual  of  arms  have  been  added  volts,  demi-volts, 
bayonet-fencing,  the  art  of  attacking  cavalry  and  resisting 
their  attacks.  In  short,  the  service  of  the  skirmishers 
has  been  so  extended  as  to  become  an  habitual,  not  an 
accidental  service ;  and  the  men  have  been  enabled  to 
fight  in  that  order  the  whole  day,  without  rallying  upon 
the  platoon  or  battalion,  cases  of  absolute  necessity  being 
excepted." 

By  the  ordinance  of  July  22,  1845,  the  skirmishers' 
drill  and  bayonet  exercise  were  restricted  to  the  "  Chas- 
seurs;" but  by  a  ministerial  decree  of  the  7th  of  April, 
1851,  they  were  extended  to  all  of  the  infantry  of  the 
French  army.  The  drill  which  is  offered  to  the  volun- 
teers of  the  South  in  this  book  is  that  now  in  use  by  the 
French  infantry  as  well  as  the  "  Chasseurs/''  and  a  por- 
tion of  it  was  adopted  as  late  as  1858. 

The  undersigned  begs  to  be  indulged  in  saying  that  he 
puts  forth  this  little  work  with  no  desire  to  make  money. 
His  object  is  to  place  within  reach  of  his  fellow-volunteers 
valuable  and  important  material,  in  the  hope  that  thereby 
our  efficiency  as  soldiers  may  be  promoted. 

He  acknowledges  the  very  valuable  assistance  of  Mons. 
C.  F.  Pardigon,  a  native  of  Paris  (at  present  attached  to 
the  Wise  Legion,  and  a  very  devoted  and  true  soldier  of 
the  Old  Dominion),  rendered  him  in  getting  up  and  trans- 
lating the  book. 

K.  M.  C. 

RICHMOND,  VA.,  July,  1861. 


INSTRUCTION  FOR  SKIRMISHERS, 

ARTICLE   FIRST. 

DEPLOYMENTS. 

1.  A  company  may  be  deployed  as  skirmishers  in  two 
ways :  forward,  and  by  the  flank. 

2.  The  deployment  forward  will   be  adopted  when  the 
company  is  behind  the  line  on  which  it  is  to  be  establish- 
ed as  skirmishers;  it  will  be  deployed  by  the  flank,  when 
it  finds  itself  already  on  that  line. 

3.  Whenever  a  company  is  to  be  deployed  as  skirmish- 
ers, it  will  be  divided  into  two  platoons,  and  each  platoon 
will   be  subdivided  into  two  sections ;  the   comrades  in 
battle,   forming  groups  of  four  men,  will   be  careful  to 
know    and    to    sustain    each    other.      The    captain    will 
assure  himself  that  the  files  in  the  centre  of  each  platoon 
and  section  are  designated. 

4.  A  company  may  be  deployed  as   skirmishers  on  its 
right,  left,  or  centre  file,  or  on  any  other  named  file  what- 
soever.    In  this  manner,  skirmishers  may  be  thrown  for- 
ward with  the  greatest  possible  rapidity  on  any  ground 
they  may  be  required  to  occupy. 

5.  A  chain  of  skirmishers  ought  generally  to  preserve 
their  alignment,  but  no  advantages  which  the  ground  may 
present  should  be  sacrificed  to  attain  this  regularity. 

6.  The  interval  between  skirmishers  depends  on  the 
extent  of  ground  to  be  covered;  but  in  general,  it  is  not 
proper  that  the  groups  of  four  men  should  be  removed 
more  than   forty  paces  from  each  other.     The   habitual 
distance  between  men  of  the  same  group,  in  open  grounds, 
will  be  five  paces;  in  no  case  will  they  lose  sight  of  each 
other. 

TO  DEPLOY  FORWARD. 

7.  A  company  being  at  a  halt,  or  in  march,  when  the 
captain  shall  wish  to  deploy  it  forward  on  the  left  file  of 


8:  -:<1.  :  DEPLOYMENTS. 


,  liolding  \the  second  platoon  in  reserve, 
'lie1  will  e<?Hima;afl  -.".•, 

1.  First  platoon  —  ^4s  skirmishers. 

2.  On  the  left  file  —  Take  intervals. 

3.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick  —  MARCH.) 

8.  At  the  first  command,  the  second  and  third  lieuten- 
ants will  place   themselves  rapidly  two  paces  behind  the 
centres  of  the  right  and  left  sections  of  the  first  platoon  ; 
the  first  corporal  (acting  as  fifth  sergeant)  will  move  one 
pace  in  front  of  the  centre  of  the  first  platoon,  and  will 
place  himself  between  the  two  sections  in  the  front  rank 
as  soon  as  the  movement  begins;  the  fourth  sergeant  will 
place  himself  on  the  left  of  the  front  rank  of  the   same 
platoon,  as  soon  as  he  can  pass.     The  captain  will  indi- 
cate to  this  sergeant  the  point  on  which  he  wishes  him  to 
direct  his  march.     The  first  lieutenant,  placing   himself 
before  the  centre  of  the  second  platoon,  will  command  : 

Second  platoon  backward  —  MARCH. 

9.  At  this  command,  the  second  platoon  will  step  three 
paces  to  the  rear,  so  as  to  unmask  the   flank  of  the  first 
platoon.     It  will  then  be  halted  by  its  chief,  and  the 
second  sergeant  will  place  himself  on  the  left,  and  the 
third  sergeant  on  the  right  flank  of  this  platoon. 

10.  At  the  command  march,  the  left  group  of  four 
men,  conducted   by  the  fourth  sergeant,  will  direct  itself 
on   the  point  indicated;    all  the  other  groups  of  four, 
throwing  forward  briskly  the  left  shoulder,   will  move 
diagonally  to  the  front  in  double-quick  time,  so  as  to  gain 
to  the  right  the  space  of  twenty  paces,  which  shall  be  the 
distance  between  each  group  and  that  immediately  on  its 
left.     When  the  second  group  from  the  left  shall  arrive 
on  a  line  with,  and  twenty  pages  from  the   first,  it  will 
march  straight  to  the  front,  conforming  to  the   gait  and 
direction  of  the  first,   keeping  constantly  on  vthe   same 
alignment  and  at  twenty  paces  from  it.     The  third  group, 
and  all  the   others,  will  conform  to  what  has  just  been 
prescribed  for  the  second;  they  will  arrive  successively 
on  the  line.     The  right  guide  will  arrive  with   the  last 
group. 


DEPLOYMENTS. 

11.  The  left  guide  having  reached  the  point  where  the 
left  of  the  line  should  rest,  the  captain  will  command  the 
skirmishers  to  halt;  the  men  composing  each  group  of 
four  will  then  immediately  deploy  at  five  paces  from  each 
other,  and  to  the  right  and  left  of  the  front  rank  man  of 
the  even   file  in   each  group,  the  rear-rank  men  placing 
themselves  on  the  left  of  their  file-leaders.     If  any  groups 
be  not  in  line  at  the  command  halt,  they  will  move  up 
rapidly,  conforming  to  what  has  just  been  prescribed. 

12.  If,  during  the  deployment,  the  line  should  be  fired 
upon  by  the  enemy,  the  captain  may  cause  the  groups  of 
four  to  deploy,  as  they  gain  their  proper  distances. 

13.  The  line  being  formed,  the  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers on  the  right,  left,  and  centre  of  the  platoon  will  place 
themselves  ten  paces  in  rear  of  the  line,  and  opposite  the 
positions  they  respectively  occupied.     The  chiefs  of  sec- 
tions will  promptly  rectify  any  irregularities,   and  then 
place  themselves   twenty-five  or  thirty  paces,  in  rear  of 
the  centre  of  their  sections,  each  having  with  him  four 
men  taken  from  the  reserve,  and  also  a  bugler,  who  will 
repeat,  if  necessary,  the  signals  sounded  by  the  captain. 
(See  Fig.  1.) 

14.  Skirmishers  should  be  particularly  instructed  to 
take  advantage  of  any  cover  which  the  ground  may  offer, 
and  should  lie  flat  on  the  ground  whenever  such  a  move- 
ment is  necessary  to  protect  them  from  the  fire  of  the 
enemy.     Regularity  in  the  alignment  should  yield  to  this 
important  advantage. 

15.  When  the  movement  begins,  the  first  lieutenant 
will  face  the  second  platoon  about,  and  march  it  prompt- 
ly, and  by  the  shortest  line,  to  about  one   hundred  and 
fifty  paces  in  rear  of  the  centre  of  the  line.     He  will  hold 
it  always  at  this  distance,  unless  ordered  to  the  contrary. 

16.  The  reserve  will  conform  itself  to  all  the  move- 
ments of  the  line.     This  rule  is  general. 

17.  Light  troops  will   carry  their  bayonets  habitually 
in   the   scabbard,  and  this  rules  applies  equally  to   the 
skirmishers  and  the  reserve ;  whenever  bayonets  are  re- 
quired to  be  fixed,  a  particular  signal  will  be  given.     The 
captain  will  give  a  general  superintendence  to  the  whole 
deployment,  and  then  promptly  place  himself  about  eighty 


10  DEPLOYMENTS. 

paces  in  rear  of  the  centre  of  the  line.     He  will  have 
•with  him  a  bugler,  and  four  men  taken  from  the  reserve. 

18.  The  deployment  may  be  made  on  the  right  or  the 
centre  of  the  platoon,  by  the  same  commands,  substitut- 
ing the  indication  right  or  centre  for  that  of  left  file. 

19.  The  deployment  on  the  right  or  the  centre  will  be 
made  according  to  the  principles  prescribed  above;  in 
this  latter  case,  the  centre  of  the  platoon  will  be  marked 
by  the  right  group  of  four  in  the  second  section;  the  first 
corporal  (acting  as  a  file  closer)  will  place  himself  on  the 
right  of  this  group,  and  serve  as  the  guide  of  the  platoon 
during  the  deployment. 

20.  In  whatever  manner  the  deployment  be  made,  on 
the  right,  left,  or  centre,  the  men  in  each  group  of  four 
will  always  deploy  at  five  paces  from  each  other,  and  upon 
the  front-rank  man  of  the  even-numbered  file.     The  de- 
ployments will  habitually  be  made  at  twenty  paces  inter- 
val; but  if  a  greater  interval  be  required,  it  will  be  indi- 
cated in  the  command. 

21.  If  a  company  be  thrown  out  as  skirmishers  so  near 
the   main  body  as  to  render  a  reserve  unnecessary,  the 
entire  company  will  be   extended  in   the  same  manner, 
and  according  to  the  same  principles,  as  for  the  deploy- 
ment of  a  platoon.     In  this  case,  the  third  lieutenant  will 
command   the  fourth   section,  and  a  non-commissioned 
officer,  designated  for  that  purpose,  the  second  section  ; 
the  first  corporal  will  take  the  place  of  fourth  sergeant, 
and  the  second  corporal  will  act  as  centre  guide ;  the  file- 
closers  will  place  themselves  ten  paces  in  rear  of  the  line, 
and  opposite  their  places  in  line  of  battle.     The  first  and 
second  lieutenants  will  each  have  a  bugler  near  him. 

TO  DEPLOY  BY  THE  FLANK. 

22.  The  company  being  at  a  halt,  when   the  captain 
shall  wish  to  deploy  it  by  the  flank,  holding  the  first  pla- 
toon in  reserve,  he  will  command: 

1.  Second  platoon — As  skirmishers. 

2.  By  the  right  flank — Take  intervals. 

3.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH). 


DEPLOYMENTS.  11 

23.  At  the  first  command,  the  first  and  third  lieuten- 
ants will  place  themselves  respectively  two  paces  behind 
the  centres  of  the  first  and  second  sections  of  the  second 
platoon;  the  first  corporal  (who  will  have  been  placed  as  a 
file-closer)  will  place  himself  one  pace  in  front  of  the 
centre  of  the  second  platoon;  the  third  sJtrgeant,  as  soon 
as  he  can  pass,  will  place  himself  on  the  right  of  the  front 
rank  of  the  same  platoon;  the  captain  will  indicate  to 
him  the  point  on  which  he  wishes  him  to  direct  his  march. 
The  chief  of  the  first  platoon  will  execute  what  has  been 
prescribed  for  the  chief  of  the  second  platoon,  Nos.  8  and 
9.     The  fourth  sergeant  will  place   himself  on  the   left 
flank  of  the  reserve;  the  first  sergeant  will  remain  on  the 
right  flank. 

24.  At  the  second  command,  the  first  and  third  lieu- 
tenants will  place  themselves  two  paces  behind  the  left 
group  of  their  respective  sections. 

25.  At   the  command  marchj  the  second  platoon  will 
face  to  the  right,  and  commence  the  movement;  the  left 
group  of  four  will  stand  fast,  but  will  deploy  as  soon  as 
there  is  room  on  its  right,  conforming  to  what  has  been 
prescribed,  No.  11 ;  the  third  sergeant  will  place  himself 
on  the  left  of  the  right  group,  to  conduct  it;  the  second 
group  will  halt  at  twenty  paces  from  the  one  on  its  left, 
the  third  group  at  twenty  paces  from  the  second,  and  so 
on  to  the  right.    As  the  groups  halt,  they  will  face  to  the 
enemy,  and  deploy  as  has  been  explained  for  the  left  group. 

26.  The  chiefs  of  sections  will  pay  particular  attention 
to  the  successive  deployments  of  the  groups,  keeping  near 
the  group  about  to  halt,  so  as  to  rectify  any  errors  which 
may  be  committed.     When  the  deployment  is  completed, 
they  will  place   themselves   thirty  paces  in  rear   of  the 
centre  of  their  sections,  as  has  been  heretofore  prescribed. 
The  non-commissioned  officers  will  also  place  themselves 
as  previously  indicated. 

27.  As  soon  as  the  movement  commences,  the  chief  of 
the  first  platoon,  causing  it  to  face  about,  will  move  it  as 
indicated  No.  15. 

28.  The  deployment  may  be  made  by  the  left  flank 
according  to   the  same  principles,   by  substituting  left 
flank  for  right  flank. 


12  DEPLOYMENTS. 

29.  If  the  captain  should  wish  to  deploy  the  company 
upon  the  centre  of  one  of  the  platoons,  he  will  command  : 

1.  Second  platoon — As  SKIRMISHERS. 

2.  By  the  right  and  left  flanks — TAKE  INTERVALS. 

3.  MARCH  (^  Double  quick — MARCH.) 

30.  At  the  first  command,  the  officers  and  non-com- 
missioned officers  will   conform  to  what  has  been  pre- 
scribed, No.  23. 

31.  At  the  second  command,  the  first  lieutenant  will 
place  himself  behind  the  left  group  of  the  right  section 
of  the  second  platoon,  the  third  lieutenant  behind  the 
right  group  of  the  left  section  of  the  same  platoon. 

32.  At  the  command  march,  the  right  section  will 
face  to  the  right,  the  left  section  will  face  to  the  left,  the 
group  on  the  right  of  this  latter  section  will  stand  fast. 
The  two  sections  will  move  off  in  opposite  directions ;  the 
third  sergeant  will  place  himself  on  the  left  of  the  right 
file  to  conduct  it,  the  second  sergeant  on  the  right  of  the 
left  file.     The  two  groups  nearest  that  which  stands  fast 
will  each  halt  at  twenty  paces  from  this  group,  and  each 
of  the  other  groups  will  halt  at  twenty  paces  from  the 
group  which  is  in  rear  of  it.     Each  group  will  deploy  as 
heretofore  prescribed,  No.  25. 

33.  The  first  and   third   lieutenants  will   direct   the 
movement,    holding  themselves  always   abreast   of    the 
group  which  is  about  to  halt. 

34.  The  captain  can  cause  the  deployment  to  be  made 
on  any  named  group  whatsoever ;  in  this  case,  the  first 
corporal  will  place  himself  before  the  group  indicated, 
and  the  deployment  will  be  made  according  to  the  prin- 
ciples heretofore  prescribed. 

35.  The  entire  company  may  be  also  deployed  accord- 
ing to  the  same  principles. 

TO  EXTEND  INTERVALS. 

36.  This  movement,  which  is  to  be  employed  to  ex- 
tend a  line  of  skirmishers,  will  be  executed  according  to 
the  principles  prescribed  for  deployments. 

37.  If  it  be  supposed  that  the  line  of  skirmishers  is 


- 


DEPLOYMENTS.  13 

at  a  halt,  and  that  the  captain  wishes  to  extend  it  to  the 
left,  he  will  command  : 

1.  By  the  left  flank  (so  many  paces) — EXTEND  INTER- 
VALS. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH). 

38.  At  the  command  march,  the  group  on  the  right 
will  stand  fast,  all  the  other  groups  will  face  to  the  left, 
and  each  group  will  extend  its  interval  to  the  prescribed 
distance  by  the  means  indicated,  No.  25. 

39.  The  men  of  the  same  group  will  continue  to  pre- 
serve   between    each   other  the    distance    of   five  paces, 
unless  the  nature  of  the  ground  should  render  it  neces- 
sary that  they  should  close  nearer  in  order  to  keep  in 
sight  of  each  other.     The  intervals  refer  to  the  spaces 
between  the  groups,  and  not  to  the  distances  between  the 
men  in  each  group.     The  intervals  will  be  taken  from 
the  right  or  left  man  of  the  neighboring  group. 

40.  If  the  line  of  skirmishers  be   marching   to   the 
front,  and  the  captain  should  wish  to  extend  it  to  the 
right,  he  will  command  : 

1.  On  the  left  group  (so  many  paces) — EXTEND  INTER- 
VALS. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH). 

41.  The  left  group,  conducted  by  the  guide,  will  con- 
tinue to  march   on   the  point  of  direction ;  the   other 
groups,  throwing  forward   the  left  shoulder,  and  taking 
the  double  quick  step,  will  open  their  intervals  to  the 
prescribed  distance  by  the  means  indicated,  No.  18,  con- 
forming also  to  what  is  prescribed,  No.  39. 

42.  Intervals  may  be  extended  on  the  centre  of  the 
line,  according  to  the  same  principles. 

43.  If,  in  extending  intervals,  it  be  intended  that  one 
company  or  platoon  should  occupy  a  line  which  had  been 
previously  occupied  by  two,  the  men  of  the  company  or 
platoon  which  is  to  retire  will  fall  successively  to  the  rear 
as  they  are  relieved  by  the  extension  of  the  intervals. 

2 


14  TO    ADVANCE. 


TO  CLOSE  INTERVALS. 

44.  This  movement,   like   that  of   opening  intervals, 
\vill  be  executed  according  to  the  principles  prescribed 
for  the  deployments. 

45.  If  the  line  of  skirmishers  ba  halted,  and  the  cap- 
tain should  wish  to  close  intervals  to  the  left,  he  will 
command : 

1.  By  the,  left  flank  (so  many  paces) — Close  intervals. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH). 

46.  At  the  command  march,  the  left  group  will  stand 
fast;  the  other  groups  will  face  to  the  left  and  close  to  the 
prescribed   distance ;  each    group  facing  to  the  enemy  as 
it  attains  its  proper  distance. 

47.  If  the   line  be  marching  to  the  front,  the  captain 
will  command : 

1.  On  the  left  group  (so  many  paces') — close  intervals. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH). 

48.  The  left  group,   conducted  by  the  guide,  will  con- 
tinue to  move  on  in  the  direction   previously  indicated; 
the  other  groups,  advancing  the  right  shoulder,  will  close 
to  the  left,  until   the  intervals  are   reduced  to  the  pre- 
scribed distance. 

49.  Intervals  may  be  closed  on  the  right;  or  on  the 
centre;  according  to  the  same  principles. 


ARTICLE  SECOND. 

TO  ADVANCE. 

TO  ADVANCE  IN  LINE,  AND  TO  RETREAT  IN  LINE. 

50.  When  a  platoon  or  a  company,  deployed  as  skir- 
mishers, is  marching  by  the  front,  the  guide  will  be 
habitually  in  the  centre.  No  particular  indication  to 
this  effect  need  be  given  in  the  commands;  but  if,  on  the 
contrary,  it  be  intended  that  the  directing  guide  should  be 


TO   ADVANCE.  15 

on  the  right  or  left,  the  command,  guide  right,  or  guide 
left,  will  be  given  immediately  after  that  of  forward. 

51.  The   captain,  wishing   the  line  of  skirmishers  to 
advance,  will  command : 

1.  Forward. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quicJc — MARCH). 

52.  This  command  will  be  repeated  with  the  greatest 
rapidity  by  the   chiefs  of  sections,  and,   in  case  of  need, 
by  the  sergeants.     This  rule  is  general,  whether  the  skir- 
mishers march  by  the  front  or  by  the  flank. 

53.  At   the  first  command,  three  sergeants  will  move 
briskly  on  the  line,  the  "first  on  the  right,  the  second  on 
the  left,  and  the  third  in  the  centre. 

54.  At  the  command  march,  the  line  will  move  to  the 
front,  the  guide  charged  with  the  direction  will  move  on 
the  point  indicated  to  him,  the  skirmishers  will  hold  them- 
selves aligned  on  this  guide,  and  preserve  their  intervals 
towards  him. 

55.  The  chiefs  of   sections   will  march  immediately 
behind  their  sections,  so  as  to  direct  their  movements. 

56.  The  captain  will  give  a  general  superintendence  to 
the  movement. 

57.  When  he  shall  wish  to  halt  the  skirmishers,  he 
will  command  : 

HALT. 

58.  At  this  command,  briskly  repeated,  the  line  will 
halt.     The  chiefs  of  sections  will  promptly  rectify  any 
irregularity  in   the   alignment  and   intervals,   and   after 
taking  every  possible  advantage   which   the  ground  may 
offer  for  protecting   the  men,  they,   with   the   three  ser- 
geants in  the  line,   will  retire  to  their  proper  places  in 
rear. 

59.  The  captain,  wishing  to  march   the  skirmishers  in 
retreat,  will  command  : 

1.  In  retreat. 

2.  MARCH  (or  DouUe  quick — MARCH). 

60.  At  the  first  command,   the  three  sergeants  will 
move  on  the  line,  as  prescribed  No.  53. 


16  TO   ADVANCE. 

61.  At  the  command  march,  the  skirmishers  will  face 
about  individually,  and  march  to  the  rear,  conforming  to 
the  principles  prescribed  No.  54. 

62.  The  officers  and  sergeants  will  use  every  exertion 
to  preserve  order. 

63.  To  halt  the  skirmishers,  marching  in  retreat,  the 
captain  will  command: 

HALT. 

64.  At  this  command,  the  skirmishers  will  halt,  and 
immediately  face  to  the  front. 

65.  The  chiefs  of  sections  and  the  three  guides  will 
each  conform  himself  to  what  is  prescribed  No.  58. 

TO  CHANGE   DIRECTION. 

66.  If  the  commander  of  a  line  of  skirmishers  shall 
wish  to  cause  it  to  change  direction  to  the  right,  he  will 
command : 

1.   Right  ivheel. 

2  MARCH  (or  Double  quick  MARCH). 

67.  At  the  command  march,  the  right  guide  will  mark 
time  in  his  place;  the  left  guide  wilhfiiove  in  a  circle  to 
the  right,  and   that  he  may  properly  regulate  his  move- 
ments, will  occasionally  cast   his   eyes  to  the  right,  so  as 
to  observe  the  direction  of  the  line,  and  the  nature  of  the 
ground  to  be  passed  over.     The   centre  guide  will  also 
march  in  a  circle  to  the  right,  and   in   order   to   conform 
his  movements  to  the  general  direction,  will  take  care  that 
his  steps  are  only  half  the  length  of  the  steps  of  the 
guide  on  the  left. 

68.  The  skirmishers  will  regulate  the  length  of  their 
steps  by  their   distance   from   the  marching  flank,  being 
less  as  they  approach   the  pivot,  and   greater  as  they  are 
removed   from  it;  they   will   often  look  to  the  marching 
flank,  so  as  to  preserve  the  direction  and  their  intervals. 

69.  When   the   commander  of  the  line  shall  wish  to 
resume  the  direct  march,  he  will  command  : 

1.  Forward.     2.  MARCH. 


TO    ADVANCE.  17 

70.  At  the  command  march,  the  line  will  cease  to 
wheel,  and  the  skirmishers  will  remove  direct  to  the  front; 
the  centre   guide  will  march  on  the  point  which  will  be 
indicated  to  him. 

71.  If  the  captain   should  wish  to  halt  the  line,  in 
place  of  moving  it  to  the  front,  he  will  command  : 

HALT. 

72.  At  this  command  the  line  will  halt. 

73.  A   change  of  direction  to   the  left  will  be   made 
according  to  the  same   principles,   and  by  inverse  means. 

74.  A  line  of  skirmishers  marching  in   retreat,   will 
change   direction  by  the  same   means,  and  by  the  same 
commands,  as  a  line  marching  in  advance;  for  example, 
if  the  captain  should  wish  to  refuse  his  left,  now  become 
the  right,  he  will  command  :  1.  Left  Wheel.    2.  MARCH. 
At  the  command  halt,  the  skirmishers  will  face  to  the 
enemy. 

75.  But  if,  instead   of  halting  the  line,  the  captain 
should  wish  to  continue  to  march  it  in  retreat,  he  will, 
when  he  judges  the  line  has  wheeled  sufficiently,  com- 
mand : 

1.  In  retreat.     2.   MARCH. 

TO  MARCH  BY  THE  FLANK. 

76.  The  captain,  wishing  the  skirmishers  to  march  by 
the  right  flank,  will  command  : 

1.  By  the  r'ujlit  flank. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH). 

77.  At  the  first  command,  the  three  sergeants  will 
place  themselves  en  the  line. 

78.  At  the  command  march,  the  skirmishers  will  face 
to  the  right  and  move  off;  the  right  guide  will  place  him- 
self by  the  side  of  the  leading  man  on  the  right,  to  con- 
duct him,  and  will  march  on  the  point  indicated;  each 
skirmisher  will  take  care  to  follow  exactly  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  one  immediately  preceding  him,  and  to  pre- 
serve his  distance. 

79.  The   skirmishers   may  be   marched   by   the   left 
flank,  according  to  the  same  principles,  and  by  the  same 


18  FIRINGS. 

commands,  substituting  left  for  right;  the  left  guide 
will  place  himself  by  the  side  of  the  leading  man,  to  con- 
duct him'. 

80.  If  the  skirmishers  be  marching  by  the  flank,  and 
the  captain  should  wish  to  halt  them,  he  will  command  : 

HALT. 

81.  At  this  command,  the  skirmishers  will  halt  and 
face  to  the  enemy.     The  officers  and  sergeants  will  con- 
form to  what  has  been  prescribed  No.  58. 

82.  The  reserve  should  execute  all  the  movements  of 
the  line,  and  be  held  always  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
paces  from  it,  so  as  to  be  in  position  to  second  its  ope- 
rations. 

83.  When  the  chief  of  the  reserve  shall  wish  to  march 
it  in   advance,  he  will   command  :  1.  Platoon  forward. 

2.  Guide  left.     3.  MARCH.     If  he  should  wish  to  march 
it  in  retreat,  he  will  command  :  1.  In  retreat.    2.  MARCH. 

3.  Guide  right.     At  the  command  halt,  it  will  re-face  to 
the  enemy. 

84.  The  men  should  be  made  to  understand  that  the 
signals   or  commands,  such   as  forward,  mean  that  the 
skirmishers   shall  march  on  the  enemy;  in  retreat,  that 
they  shall  retire;  and  to  the  right  or  left  flank,  that  the 
men  must  face  to  the  right  or  left,  whatever  may  be  their 
position. 

85.  If  the  skirmishers  be  marching  by  the  flank,  and 
the  captain  should  wish  to  change  direction  to  the  right 
(or  left),  he  will  command :     1.  By  file  right  (or  left). 
2.  MARCH. 


ARTICLE  THIRD. 

THE   FIRINGS. 

86.  Skirmishers  will  fire  either  at  a  halt  or  marching. 

TO  FIRE  AT  A  HALT. 

87.  To  cause  this  fire  to  be  executed,  the  captain  will 
command  : 

Commence — FIRING. 


FIRINGS.  19 

88.  At  this  command,  briskly  repeated,  the   men   of 
the  front  rank  will   commence  firing;  they  will   reload 
rapidly,  and  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  fire  again. 
During  this  time  the  men   of  the  rear  rank  will  come  to 
a  ready,  and  as  soon  as  "their  respective  file  leaders  have 
loaded,  they  will  also  fire  and  reload.     The  men  of  each 
file  will  thus  continue  the  firing,  conforming  to  this  prin- 
ciple— that  the  one  or  the  other  shall  always  have  his 
piece  loaded. 

89.  Light  troops  should  be  always  calm,  so  as  to  aim 
with  accuracy;  they  should,  moreover,  endeavor  to  esti- 
mate correctly  the  distances  between  themselves  and  the 
enemy  to  be  hit,  and  thus  be  enabled  to  deliver  their  fire 
with  the  greater  certainty  of  success. 

90.  Skirmishers   will   not   remain   in   the   same   place 
whilst  reloading,  unless  protected  by  accidents  in  the 
ground. 

TO  FIRE  MARCHING. 

91.  This  fire  will  be  executed  by  the  same  commands 
as  the  fire  at  a  halt. 

92.  At  the  command  commence  firing,  if  the  line  be 
advancing,  the  front-rank  man  of  every  file  will  halt,  fire, 
and  reload  before  throwing   himself  forward.     The  rear- 
rank  man  of  the  same  file  will  continue  to  march,  and  after 
passing  ten  or  twelve  paces  beyond  his  front-rank  man, 
will  halt,  come  to  a  ready,  select  his  object,  and  fire  when 
his  front-rank  man  has  loaded ;  the  fire  will  thus  continue 
to  be  executed  by  each  file ;  the  skirmishers  will  keep 
united,  and  endeavor,  as  much  as  possible,  to  preserve  the 
general  direction  of  the  alignment. 

93.  If  the  line  be  marching  in  retreat,  at  the  command 
commence  firing,  the  front-rank  man  of  every  file  will  halt, 
face  to  the  enemy,  fire,  and  then  reload  whilst  moving  to 
the  rear ;  the  rear-rank  man  of  the  same  file  will  continue 
to  march,  and  halt  ten  or  twelve  paces  beyond  his  front- 
rank  man,  face  about,  come  to  a  ready,  and  fire  when  his 
front-rank  man  has  passed  him  in  retreat  and  loaded; 
after  which,  he  will  move  to  the  rear  and  reload ;  the  front- 
rank  man,  in  his  turn,  after  marching  briskly  to  the  rear, 
will  halt  at  ten  or  twelve   paces  from   the   rear-rank, 


20  FIRINGS. 

face  to  the  enemy,  load  bis  piece,  and  fire,  conforming  to 
what  has  just  been  prescribed;  the  firing  will  thus  be 
continued. 

94.  If  the  company  be  marching  by  the  right  flank, 
at   the   command  commence  firing,  the  front-rank  man 
of  every  file  will  face  to  the  enemy,  step  one  pace  for- 
ward, halt,  and  fire;    the  rear-rank  man  will  continue 
to  move  forward.     As  soon  as  the  front-rank  man  has 
fired,  he  will  place  himself  briskly  behind  his  rear-rank 
man,  and  reload  whilst  marching.     When  he  has  loaded, 
the   rear-rank    man    will,    in    his   turn,    step    one    pace 
forward,  halt,  and  fire,  and  returning  to  the  ranks  will 
place  himself  behind  his  front-rank  man  ;  the  latter,  in 
his  turn,  will  act  in  the  same  manner,  observing  the  same 
principles.      At  the  command  cease  firing,  the  men  of  the 
rear-rank  will  retake  their  original  positions,  if  not  al- 
ready there. 

95.  If  the  company  be  marching  by  the  left  flank, 
the  fire  will  be  executed  according  to  the  same  prrinci- 
ples,  but  in  this  case,  it  will  be  the  rear-rank  men  who 
will  fire  first. 

96.  The  following  rules  will  be  observed  in  the  cases 
to  which  they  apply. 

97.  If  the  line  be  firing  at  a   halt,  or  whilst  march- 
ing by  the  flank,  at  the  command  forward — march,  it 
will  be  the  men  whose  pieces  are  loaded,  without   regard 
to  the  particular  rank  to  which  they  belong,  who  will 
move  to  the  front.     Those  men  whose  pieces  have  been 
discharged,  will  remain  in  their  places  to  load  them  before 
moving  forward,  and  the  firing  will  be  continued  agreea- 
bly to  the  principles  prescribed.  No.  92. 

98.  If  the  line  be  firing  either  at  a  halt,  advancing,  or 
whilst  marching  by  the  flank,  at  the  command  in  retreat 
— march,  the  men  whose   pieces  are  loaded  will  remain 
faced  to  the  enemy,  and  will  fire  in  this  position ;  the 
men  whose  pieces  are  discharged  will  retreat  loading  them ; 
and  the  fire  will  be  continued  agreeably  to  the  principles 
prescribed  No.  93. 

99.  If  the  line  of  skirmishers  be  firing  either  at  a  halt, 
advancing,  or  in  retreat,  at  the  command,  l)y  the  right  (or 
left)  flank — MARCH,  the  men  whose  pieces  are  loaded  will 


FIRINGS.  21 

step  one  pace  out  of  the  general  alignment,  face  to  the 
enemy,  and  fire  in  this  position ;  the  men  whose  pieces 
are  unloaded  will  face  to  the  right  (or  left),  and  march  in 
the  direction  indicated.  The  men  who  stepped  out  of  the 
ranks  will  place  themselves,  immediately  after  firing,  upon 
the  general  direction,  and  in  rear  of  their  front  or  rear 
rank  men,  as  the  case  may  be.  The  fire  will  be  continued 
according  to  the  principles  prescribed  No.  94. 

100.  Skirmishers  will  be  habituated  to  load  their  pieces 
whilst  marching;  but  they  will  be  enjoined  to  halt  always 
an  instant,   when  in  the  act  of  charging  cartridge  and 
priming. 

101.  They  should  be  practiced  to  fire  and  load  kneel- 
ing, lying  down,  and  sitting,  and  much  liberty  should  be 
allowed  in  these  exercises,  in   order  that  they  may   be 
executed  in  the   manner  found  to  be   most  convenient. 
Skirmishers  should  be  cautioned  not  to  forget  that,  in 
whatever  position  they  may  load,  it  is  important  that  the 
piece  should  be  placed  upright  before  ramming,  in  order 
that  the  entire  charge  of  powder  may  reach  the  bottom  of 
the  bore. 

102.  In  commencing  the  fire,  the   men  of  the  same 
rank  should  not  all  fire  at  once,  and  the  men  of  the  same 
file  should  be  particular  that  one  or  the  other  of  them  be 
always  loaded. 

103.  In  retreating,  the  officer  commanding  the  skir- 
mishers should  seize  on  every  advantage  which  the  ground 
may  present,  for  arresting  the  enemy  as  long  as  possible. 

104.  At  the  signal  to  cease  firing,  the  captain  will  see 
that  the  order  is  promptly  obeyed ;  but  the  men  who  may 
not  be  loaded  will  load.     If  the  line  be  marching,  it  will 
continue  the  movement;  but  the  man  of  each  file  who 
happens  to  be  in  front  will  wait  until  the  man  in  rear 
shall  be  abreast  with  him. 

105.  If  a  line  of  skirmishers  be  firing  advancing,  at 
the  command  halt,  the  line  will  re-form  upon  the  skir- 
mishers who  aro  in  front;  when   the  line  is  retreating, 
upon  the  skirmishers  who  are  in  rear. 


THE   RALLY. 
ARTICLE  FOURTH. 

THE  RALLY.— TO  FORM  COLUMN. 

106.  A  company  deployed  as  skirmishers,  is  rallied  in 
order  to  oppose  the  enemy  with  better  success;  the  rallies 
are  made  at  a  run,  and  with  bayonets  fixed ;  when  ordered 
to  rally,  the  skirmishers  fix  bayonets   without  command. 

107.  There  are  several  ways  of  rallying,  which  the  chief 
of  the  line  will  adopt  according  to  circumstances. 

108.  If  the  line,  marching,  or  at  a  halt,  be  merely  dis- 
turbed by  scattered  horsemen,  it  will  not  be  necessary  to 
fall   back  on  the  reserve,  but  the  captain  will  cause  bayo- 
nets to   be  fixed.      If   the  horsemen   should,   however, 
advance  to  charge  the  skirmishers,  the  captain  will  com- 
mand, rally  by  fours.     The  line  will   halt  if  marching, 
and  the  four  men  of  each  group  will  execute  this  rally  in 
the  following  manner :  the  front-rank   man  of  the  even- 
numbered  file   will   take   the   position  of  guard  against 
cavalry  ;  the  rear-rank  man  of  the  odd-numbered  file  will 
also  take  the  position  of  guard  against  cavalry,  turning 
his  back  to  him,  his  right   foot  thirteen  inches  from  the 
right  foot  of  the  former,  and  parallel  to  it ;  the  front-rank 
man  of  the  odd  file,  and   the  rear-rank  man  of  the  even 
file,  will  also  place  themselves  back  to  back,  taking  a  like 
position,  and  between  the  two  men  already  established, 
facing  to  the  right  and  left;  the  right  feet  of  the  four 
men   will   be  brought  together,   forming  a  square,  and 
serving  for  mutual  support.     (See  plate  2,  pages  8  and 
9.)     The  four  men  in  each  group  will  come  to  a  ready, 
fire  as  occasion  may  offer,  and  load  without  moving  their 
feet. 

109.  The  captain  and  chiefs  of  sections  will  each  cause 
the  four   men  who  constitute  his  guard  to  form   square, 
the  men  separating  so  as  to  enable  him  and  the  bugler  to 
place  themselves  in  the  centre.     The  three  sergeants  will 
each  promptly  place  himself  in  the  group  nearest  him  in 
the  line  of  skirmishers. 

110.  Whenever  the  captain  shall  judge  these  squares 


THE    RALLY.  23 

too  weak,  but  should  wish  to  hold  his  position  by  strength- 
ening his  line,  he  will  command : 

Rally  by — SECTIONS. — (Plate**,  pages  8  and  9.) 

111.  At  this  command,  the  chiefs  of  sections  will  move 
rapidly  on  the  centre  group  of  their  respective  sections, 
or  on  any  other  interior  group  whose  position  might  offer 
a  shelter,  or  other  particular  advantage ;  the  skirmishers 
will  collect  rapidly,  at  a  run,  on  this  group,  without  dis- 
tinction of  numbers.     The  men  composing  the  group  on 
which    the    formation   is  made,    will   immediately  form 
square,  as  heretofore  explained,  and  elevate  their  pieces, 
the  bayonets  uppermost,  in  order  to  indicate  the  point  on 
which  the  rally  is  to  be  made.     The  other  skirmishers,  as 
they  arrive,  will  occupy  and  fill  the  open  angular  spaces, 
between  these  four  men,  and  successfully  rally  around 
this  first  nucleus,  and  in  such  manner  as  to  form  rapidly 
a  compact  circle.      The  skirmishers  will  take,  as  they 
arrive,  the  position  of  charge  bayonet,   the  point  of  the 
bayonet  more  elevated,  and  will  cock  their  pieces  in  this 
position.      The  movement  concluded,   the   two   exterior 
ranks  will  fire  as  occasion  may  offer,  and  load  without 
moving  their  feet. 

112.  The  captain  will  move  rapidly,  with  his  guard, 
wherever  \\Q  may  judge  his  presence  most  necessary. 

113.  The  officers  and  sergeants  will  be  particular  to 
observe  that  the  rally  is  made  in  silence,  and  with  prompt- 
itude and   order;  that  some  pieces  in  each  of  their  sub- 
divisions be  at  all  times  loaded,  and  that  the  fire  is  directed 
on  those  points  only  where  it  will  be  most  effective. 

114.  If  the  reserve  should  be  threatened,  it  will  form 
into  a  circle  around  its  chief. 

115.  If  the  captain  or  commander  of  a  line  of  skir- 
mishers formed  of  many  platoons,  should  judge  that  the 
rally  by  section  does  not  offer  sufficient  resistance,  he  will 
cause  the  rally  by  platoons  to  be  executed,  and  for  this 
purpose,  will  command : 

Rally  %— PLATOONS. 

116.  This  movement  will  be  executed  according  to  the 
same  principles,  and  by  the  same  means,  as  the  rally  by 


24  THE    RALLY. 

sections.     The  chiefs  of  platoon  will  conform  to  what  has 
been  prescribed  for  the  chiefs  of  sections. 

117.  The  captain  Wishing  to  rally  the  skirmishers  on 
the  reserve,  will  comrmmd  : 

Rally  on  the — RESERVE. 

118.  At  this  command,  the  captain  will  move  briskly 
on   the  reserve ;  the  officer  who  commands  it  will  take 
immediate  steps  to  form  square;  for  this  purpose,  he  will 
cause  the  half  sections  on  the  flanks  to  be  thrown  perpen- 
dicularly to  the  rear ;  he  will  order  the  meri^to  come  to  a 
ready. 

119.  The  skirmishers  of  each  section,  taking  the  run, 
will  form  rapidly  into  groups,  and  upon  that  man  of  each 
group  who  is  nearest  the  centre  of  the  section.     These 
groups  will   direct  themselves   diagonally  towards  each 
other,  and  in  such  manner  as  to  form  into  sections  with 
the  greatest  possible  rapidity  while  moving  to  the  rear ; 
the  officers  and  sergeants  will  see  that  this  formation  is 
made  in  proper  order,  and  the  chiefs  will  direct  their  sec- 
tions upon  the  reserve,  taking  care  to  unmask  it  to  the 
right  and  left.     As  the  skirmishers  arrive,  they  will  con- 
tinue and  complete  the  formation  of  the  square  begun  by 
the  reserve,  closing  in  rapidly  upon  the  latter,   without 
regard  to  their  places  in  line;  they  will  come  to  a  ready 
without  command,  and  fire  upon  the  enemy;  which  will 
also  be  done  by  the  reserve  as  soon  as  it  is  unmasked  by 
the  skirmishers. 

120.  If  a  section  should  be  closely  pressed  by  cavalry 
while  retreating,  its  chief  will  command  halt;  at  this 
command,  the  men  will  form  rapidly  into  a  compact  circle 
around  the  officer,  who  will  re-form  his  section  and  resume 
the  march,  the  moment  he  can  do  so  with  safety. 

121.  The  formation  of  the  square  in  a  prompt  and 
efficient  manner,  requires  coolness  and  activity  on  the 
part  of  both  officers  and  sergeants. 

122.  The  captain  will  also  profit  by  every  moment  of 
respite  which  the  enemy's  cavalry  may  leave  him ;  as  soon 
as  he  can,  he  will  endeavor  to  place  himself  beyond  the 
'reach  of  their  charges,  either  by  gaining  a  position  where 
he  may  defend  himself  with  advantage,  or  by  returning 


FORM    COLUMN.  25 

to  the  corps  to  which  he  belongs.  For  this  purpose, 
being  in  square,  he  will  cause  the  company  to  break  into 
column  by  platoons  at  half  distance ;  to  this  effect,  he  will 
command : 

1.  Form  Column.     2.  MARCH. 

123.  At  the  command  march,  each  platoon  will  dress 
on  its  centre,   and  the  platoon  which  was  facing  to  the 
rear  will  face  about  without  command.     The  guides  will 
place  themselves  on  the  right  and  left  of  their  respective 
platoons;  those  of  the  second  platoon  will  place  them- 
selves at  half  distance  from  those  of  the  first,  counting 
from  the  rear  rank.     These  dispositions  being  made,  the 
captain  can  move  the  column  in  whatever  direction  he 
may  j  udge  proper. 

124.  If  he  wishes  to  march  it  in  retreat,  he  will  com- 
mand : 

1.  In  Retreat. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH). 

125.  At  the  command  march,  the  column  will  imme- 
diately face  by  the  rear  rank,  and  move  off  in  the  opposite 
direction.     As  soon  as  the  column  is  in  motion,  the  cap- 
tain will  command : 

3.  Guide  right  (or  left). 

126.  He  will  indicate  the  direction  to  the   leading 
guide ;  the  guides  will  march  at  their  proper  distances, 
and  the  men  will  keep  aligned. 

127.  If  again  threatened  by  cavalry,  the  captain  will 
command : 

1.  Form  Square.     2.  MARCH. 

128.  At  the  command  march,  the  column  will  halt; 
the  first  platoon  will  face  about  briskly,  and  the  outer 
half-sections  of  each  platoon  will  be  thrown  perpendicularly 
to  the  rear,  so  as  to  form  the  second  and  third  fronts  of 
the  square.     The  officers  and  sergeants  will  promptly 
rectify  any  irregularities  which  may  be  committed. 

129.  If  he  should  wish  to  march  the  column  in  ad- 
vance, the  captain  will  command  : 

1.  Form  Column.     2.  MARCH. 
3 


26  FORM     COLUMN. 

130.  Which  will  be  executed  as  prescribed  No.  123. 

131.  The  column  being  formed,  the  captain  will  com- 
mand : 

1.  Forward. 

2.  MARCH  (or  Double  quick — MARCH.) 

3.  Guide  left  (or  right.) 

132.  At  the  second  command,  the  column  will  move 
forward,  and  at  the  third  command,  the  men  will  take 
the  touch  of  elbows  to  the  side  of  the  guide. 

133.  If  the  captain  should  wish   the  column  to  gain 
ground  to  the  right  or  left,  he  will  do  so  by  rapid  wheels 
to  the  side  opposite  the  guide,  and  for  this  purpose,  will 
change  the  guide  whenever  it  may  be  necessary. 

134.  If  a  company  be  in  column  by  platoon,  at  half 
distance,  right  in  front,  the  captain  can  deploy  the  first 
platoon  as  skirmishers  by  the  means  already  explained ; 
but  if  it  should  be  his  wish  to  deploy  the  second  platoon 
forward  on  the  centre  file,  leaving  the  first  platoon  in  re- 
serve, he  will  command : 

1.  Second  platan — As  skirmishers. 

2.  On  the  cenfy^file — Take  intervals. 

3.  MARCH  (or  pouble  quick — MARCH.) 

135.  At  the  first  command,  the  chief  of  the  first  pla- 
toou  will  caution  hi$  platoon  to  stand  fast;  the  chiefs  of 
sections  of  the  second  platoon  will  place  themselves  before 
the  centres  of  their  sections ;  the  first  corporal,  acting  as 
a  sergeant,  will  place  himself  one  pace  in  front  of  the 
centre  of  the  second  platoon. 

136.  At  the  second  command,  the  chief  of  the  right 
section,   second  platoon,   will   command  :    Section  right 
face  ;    the  chief  of  the  left  section  :   Section  left  face. 

137.  At  the  command  march,  these  sections  will  move 
off  briskly  in  opposite  directions;  and  having  unmasked 
the  first  platoon,  the  chiefs  of  sections  will   respectively 
command:  By  the  left  flank — MARCH,  and  By  the  right 
flank — MARCH;  and  as  soon  as  these  sections  arrive  on 
the  alignment  of  the  first  platoon,  they  will  command,  As 

'skirmishers- — MARCH.     The  groups  will  then  deploy,  ac- 
cording to  prescribed  principles,  on  the  right  group  of  the 


ASSEMBLY.  27 

left  section,  which  will  be  directed  by  the  first  corporal 
on  the  point  indicated. 

138.  If  the  captain  should  wish  the  deployment  made 
by  the  flank,  the  second  platoon  will  be   moved  to  the 
front  by  the  means  above  stated,  and  halted  after  passing 
some  steps  beyond  the  alignment  of  the  first  platoon ;  the 
deployment  will  then  be  made  by  the  flank,  according  to 
the  principles  prescribed. 

THE  ASSEMBLY. 

139.  A  company  deployed  as  skirmishers  will  be  as- 
sembled when  there  is  no  longer  danger  of  its  being  dis- 
turbed ;  the  assembly  will  be  made  habitually  in  quick 
time. 

140.  The  captain  wishing  to  assemble  the  skirmishers 
on  the  reserve,  will  command  : 

Assemble  on  the  Reserve. 

141.  At  this  command  the  skirmishers  will  assemble 
by  groups  of  four ;  the  front-rank  men  will  place  them- 
selves  behind   their  rear-rank  men ;  and  each  group  of 
four  will  direct  itself  on  the  reserve,  where  each  will  take 
its  proper  place  in  the  ranks.     When  the  company  is  re- 
formed, it  will  rejoin  the  battalion  to  which  it  belongs. 

142.  It  may  be  also  proper  to  assemble  the  skirmishers 
on  the  centre,  or  on  the  right  or  left  of  the  line,  either 
marching  or  at  a  halt. 

143.  If  the  captain  should  wish  to  assemble  them  on 
the  centre  while  marching,  he  will  command : 

Assemble  on  the  Centre. 

144.  At  this  command,  the  centre  guide  will  continue 
to  march  directly  to  the  front  on  the  point  indicated ;  the 
front-rank  man  of  the  directing  file  will  follow  the  guide, 
and  be  covered  by  his  rear-rank  uinn  ;   the  other  two  com- 
rades of  this  group,  and  likewise  those  on  their  loft,  will 
march  diagonally,  advancing  the  left  shoulder  and  accel- 
erating the  gait,  so  as  to  reform  the  groups  while  drawing 
nearer  and  nearer  the  directing  file;  the  men  of  the  right 
section  will  unite  in  the  same  manner  into  groups,  and 


28  BAYONET   EXERCISE. 

then  upon  the  directing  file,  throwing  forward  the  right 
shoulder.  As  they  successively  unite  on  the  centre,  the 
men  will  bring  their  pieces  to  the  right  shoulder. 

145.  To  assemble  on  the  right  or  left  file  will  be  exe- 
cuted according  to  the  same  principles. 

146.  The  assembly  of  a  line  marching  in  retreat  will 
also  be   executed  according  to  the   same  principles,  the 
front-rank  men  marching  behind  their  rear-rank  men. 

147.  To  assemble  the  line  of  skirmishers  at  a  halt, 
and  on  the  line  they  occupy,  the  captain  will  give  the 
same  commands;  the  skirmishers  will  face  to  the  right 
or  left,  according  as  they  should  march  by  the  right  or 
left  flank,  re-form  the  groups  while  marching,  and  thus 
arrive  on  the  file  which  served  as  the  point  of  formation. 
As  they  successively  arrive,  the  skirmishers  will  support 
arms. 


BAYONET   EXERCISE, 

WITH  THE  MUSKET  AND  THRUST  BAYONET. 
Part  First. 

In  teaching  this  exercise  the  men,  if  few  in  number, 
may  be  placed  in  one  rank,  if  more  numerous,  say  ex- 
ceeding eight  or  ten,  they  should  be  placed  in  two  ranks, 
in  quincons  (the  second  rank  showing  between  the  inter- 
vals of  the  first  rank).  To  do  this,  the  instructor,  having 
opened  the  ranks  to  four  paces,  commands  : 

1.  By  the  leftflanlc,  at  four  paces,  take  intervals. 

2.  Quick — MARCH. 

At  this  command,  number  one  in  the  first  rank  stands 
fast,  number  one  in  the  rear  rank  moves  two  paces  to  the 
left,  and  all  of  the  men  in  each  rank,  take  the  intervals 
of  four  paces,  moving  for  that  purpose  to  the  left,  halt, 
and  face  to  the  front.  Intervals  can  be  taken  by  the 
right  flank  by  inverse  means,  and  by  the  same  command, 


fosifon  of  ffis  (ruard. 


BAYONET  EXERCISE.  29 


substituting  right  for  left.     To  close  the  ranks  and  inter- 
vals, the  instructor  commands  : 

1.  Assemble  on  No.  1  (or  any  other  JVb.)  of  the  front  rank. 

2.  Quick — MARCH. 


FIRST   LESSON. 

SIMPLE  MOTIONS.— POSITION  OF  THE  GTTAED. 

On  Guard.     (Two  motions)     (Fig.  1.) 

1.  Being  at  a  light  infantry  shoulder,  raise  a  little  the 
piece  with  the  right  hand,  turn  the  left  toe  square  to  the 
front. 

2.  Carry  the  right  foot  about  eighteen  inches  backward, 
the  right  heel  on  the  prolongation  of  the  left,  the  body 
erect  and  perpendicular  on  both  legs,  so  that  the  weight 
is  divided  equally  between  them,   the  knees  bent,  and 
take  the  position  of  charge  bayonet. 

At  the  command,  shoulder  arms,  spring  the  musket  up 
into  the  hollow  of  the  right  shoulder,  and  retake  the 
position  of  the  soldier. 

The  instructor,  wishing  to  allow  a  rest,  when  recruits 
are  on  guard,  commands  Rest. 

At  this  command,  the  man  brings  the  right  foot  by 
the  side  of  the  left,  places  the  butt  of  the  musket  on  the 
ground,  and  is  no  longer  required  to  remain  immovable 
or  to  preserve  silence. 

The  instructor,  wishing  to  resume  the  position  of  guard, 
commands  : 

1.  Attention — Squad  (or  Platoon). 

2.  Resume — GUARD. 

At  this  command,  raise  the  piece  quickly  with  the 
right  hand,  seizing  it  with  the  left,  at  the  height  of  the 
right  breast,  and  at  the  same  time  grasp  the  small  of  the 
stock  with  the  right  hand,  taking  the  guard,  as  before 
explained. 


30  BAYONET   EXERCISE. 

EXTENSION. 
Extend— MARCH.     (One  motion.)     (Kg.  2.) 

At  the  second  command  advance  quickly  the  left  foot 
about  twelve  inches,  the  left  leg  (from  knee  to  ankle) 
vertical,  the  right  foot  flat  on  the  ground,  and  the  right 
leg  extended  and  straight,  the  body  remaining  erect. 

At  the  command,  on  guard,  retake  the  position  of 
guard,  by  bringing  back  the  left  foot  to  its  former  po- 
sition. 

1.  Pace  to  the  right  (or  left.') 

2.  Riyht  (or  left) — FACE.     (One  motion.) 

Turn  on  the  left  heel,  raising  a  little  the  toe  of  that 
foot;  face  to  the  right  (or  left),  and  carry  at  the  same 
time  the  right  foot  eighteen  inches  to  the  rear. 

1.  Pace  about  to  the  right  (or  left.) 

2.  Right  (or  left)  about — FACE.     (One  motion.) 

Turn  to  the  right  (or  left)  on  the  left  heel,  by  raising 
the  toe  of  the  left  foot,  facing  to  the  rear,  without  chang- 
ing position  of  the  piece,  carrying  the  right  foot  eighteen 
inches  to  rear,  and  keeping  the  body  erect. 

1.    One  pace  forward — MARCH.     (Two  motions.) 

1st  motion :  Carry  first  the  right  foot  against  the  left 
heel. 

2d  motion :  Advance  the  left  foot  about  eighteen  inches, 
preserving  the  position  of  the  piece  and  the  body. 

1.   One  pace  backward — MARCH.     (Two  motions.) 

1.  Bring  back  the  left  foot  against  the  right. 

2.  Then  carry  the  right  foot  eighteen  inches  to  the  rear. 

1.    One  pace  to  the  right — MARCH.     (Two  motions.) 

1st  motion :  Carry  the  foot  about  eighteen  inches  to 
the  right  in  the  same  direction. 

2d  motion  :  Bring  immediately  the  left  foot  the  same 
distance,  and  to  the  same  relative  position  to  the  right, 
that  it  before  occupied. 


BAYONET   EXERCISE.  31 

1.   One  pace  to  the  left — MARCH.     (Two  motions.') 

1st  motion :  Carry  the  left  foot  about  eighteen  inches 
to  the  left. 

2d  motion :  Bring  back  immediately  the  right  foot  at 
its  distance,  and  in  its  position. 

Passade  forward — MARCH.     (Two  motions.') 

1st  motion :  Throw  the  right  foot  eighteen  inches  in 
front  of  the  left,  the  inside  of  it  kept  to  the  front. 

2d  motion  :  Carry  quickly  the  left  foot  eighteen  inches 
in  front  of  the  right,  preserving  the  guard. 

Passade  bac7cward — MARCH.     (Two  motions.) 

1st  motion  :  Throw  the  left  foot  eighteen  inches  in  rear 
of  the  right  foot. 

2d  motion :  Carry  quickly  the  right  foot  eighteen 
inches  in  rear  of  the  left,  preserving  the  guard. 

Leap  to  the  rear — MARCH.     (One  motion?) 

Throw  the  weight  of  the  body  on  the  left  leg,  and 
spring  backward  as  far  as  possible,  preserving  the  guard. 

1.    Volt  to  the  right — MARCH.     (Two  motions .) 

1st  motion  :  Raise  the  piece  by  bringing  the  left  hand 
near  to  the  left  breast,  without  moving  the  right,  the 
barrel  turned  toward  the  body,  and  at  same  time  turn  to 
the  right  on  the  toe  of  the  right  foot,  carrying  the  left 
foot  to  its  place  and  distance. 

2d  motion  :  Turn  to  the  right  on  the  toe  of  the  left 
foot;  carry  the  right  to  its  place  and  distance,  at  the 
same  time  resuming  the  guard. 

Volt  to  the  left— -MARCH. t    (Two  motions.} 

1st  motion  :  Bring  the  piece  to  the  position  last  ex- 
plained; turn  to  the  left  on  the  toe  of  the  right  foot,  car- 
rying the  left  to  its  place  and  distance. 

2d  motion  :  Turn  to  the  left  on  the  toe  of  the  left  foot, 
carrying  the  right  to  its  place  and  distance,  and  resume 
guard. 


32  BAYONET   EXERCISE. 

SECOND   LESSON. 

PARBIES.* 

Tierce  (or  three)  designates  the  parry  to  the  right  in 
the  upper  line. 

Carte  (or  four),  the  parry  to  the  left  in  the  upper  line. 

Seconde  (or  two)  designates  the  parry  to  the  right  in 
lower  line. 

Prime  (or  one),  the  parry  to  the  left  in  the  lower  line. 

The  upper  line  comprehends  that  portion  of  the  body 
above  the  waist.  The  lower  line,  that  portion  below  the 
waist. 

Parry  three — ARMS.     (Two  motions.}     (Fig.  3.) 

1.  Move  the  piece  six  inches  to  the  right,  with  the  left 
hand,  without  changing   the  position  of  the  right  hand. 

2.  Resume  guard. 

Parry  four — ARMS.     (Two  motions.}     (Fig.  4.) 

1.  Move  the   piece  to  the  left,  about  six  inches,  with 
the  left  hand,  moving  the  right  hand  slightly  to  the  left 
around  the  hip. 

2.  Resume  guard. 

Parry  one — ARMS.     (Two  motions}     (Fig.  5.) 

1.  Turn  rapidly  the  rammer  of  the  piece  upward;  de- 
scribe a  half  circle  with  the  point  of  the  bayonet  from 
above  to  below,  to  throw  the  piece  of  the  adversary  out- 
side of  the  line  of  the  left  knee ;  bring  the  left  elbow 
near  to  the  side,  the  right  hand  at  the  height  of  the  fore- 
head, opposite  to  and  six  inches  from  the  right  eye. 

2.  Resume  guard, 

*In  fencing  with  the  bayonet,  the  men  are  considered  as  right-handed, 
although  the  body  is  faced  to  the  right,  and  the  left  knee  and  left  shoulder 
are  foremost.  The  fact  is,  the  left  hand  is  auxiliary  only,  the  right  hand 
governing  the  piece. 

Therefore  the  man  parries  tierce  (parry  three)  when  he  throws  the  piece 
of  his  adversary  to  his  own  right,  and  parries  carte  (parry  four)  when  he 
throws  the  piece  of  his  adversary  to  his  own  left.  In  the  line  below  the 
waist,  the  prime  parry  (parry  one)  corresponds  to  parry  four  in  the  line 
above  the  waist;  and  seconde  parry  (parry  two)  corresponds  to  parry  three 
in  that  (the  upper)  line. 


Parry 


Parry  /b 


Parry 


Fy.7. 


WM  the  frutt purr//. 


JBodi/  parri/. 


Head 


BAYONET   EXERCISE.  33 

Parry  two — ARMS.     (Two  motions.)     (Fig.  6.) 

1.  Turn  rapidly  the  rammer  upward;  describe  a  half- 
circle  with  the  point  of  the  bayonet  from  above  to  below, 
to  throw  the  piece  of  the  adversary  outside  of  the  line  of 
the  right  knee,  without  moving  the  left  hand,  the   left 
elbow  closed  into  and  resting  on  the  left  breast,  the  right 
hand  opposite  the  right  shoulder  at  the  height  of  the  eye, 

2.  Resume  guard.     (The  figure  6,  represents  the  parry 
being  executed,  not  completed.) 

With  the  butt  parry — ARMS.    (Four  motions.)     (Fig.  7.) 

1.  Straighten  the  right  leg;  bring  the  gun  perpendicu- 
larly before  the  centre  of  the  body,  the  lock  to  the  front, 
the  right  arm  nearly  straight,  the  thumb  of  the  left  hand 
not  higher  than  the  shoulder. 

2.  Move  the  butt  of  the  piece  to  the  left. 

3.  Move  the  butt  of  the  piece  to  the  right. 

4.  Resume  guard. 

Body  and  head  parry — ARMS.      (  Three  motions.) 
(Figs.  8  and  9.) 

1.  Bring  the  left  hand  near  the  left  hip;  advance  the 
right  hand;  place  the  piece  horizontally  before  the  body, 
lowering  it  to  the  thighs,  the  barrel  upward. 

2.  Raise  it  immediately  just  above  the  top  of  the  cap, 
the  barrel  downward,  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand  closed. 

3.  Resume  guard. 


THIRD    LESSON. 

LUNGES  AND  THRUSTS. 
Lunge  one — ARMS.     (  Two  motions.)     (Fig.  10.) 

1.  Bring  rapidly  the  piece  to  a  horizontal  position  (the 
lock  plate  up)  in  the  direction  of  the  breast  of  the  ad- 
versary, by  extending  the  left  arm  to  its  full  length,  the 
flat  of  the  butt  under  the  right  forearm ;  strengthen  the 
right  leg,  throwing  forward  the  body. 

2.  Resume  guard. 


34  BAYONET   EXERCISE. 

Lunge  two — ARMS.     (Two  motions.)     (Figs.  11  and  12.) 

1.  Draw  the  piece  back  with  the  right  hand,  the  left 
hand  following  the  piece  in  order  to  give  it  a  greater  im- 
pulse ;  direct  quickly  the  bayonet  towards  the  breast  of 
the  adversary,  by  extending  the  right  arm,  making  the 
piece  slide  horizontally  through  the  left  hand  up  to  the 
trigger  guard,  the  lock  upward,  the  flat  of  the  butt  under 
the  right  forearm,  and  the  right  leg  straight. 

2.  Resume  guard. 

Lunge  three — ARMS.     (One  motion.)     (Fig.  13.) 

Thrust  quickly  the  piece  against  your  adversary  by  a 
full  extension  of  the  right  arm,  turning  the  lock  upward, 
the  flat  of  the  butt  under  the  right  forearm,  the  upper 
part  of  the  body  following  the  motion  of  the  right  hand, 
the  left  hand  (which  has  quit  its  hold  in  making  the 
lunge)  open  ready  to  receive  the  piece,  and  resume 
quickly  the  guard. 

Thrust  three — ARMS.     (Fig.  14.) 

Extend  quickly  the  left  arm,  directing  the  point  of  the 
bayonet  on  the  left  breast  of  the  adversary;  raise  the 
piece  at  the  same  time  to  the  height  of  the  face  and  with- 
in four  inches  of  it,  turning  the  trigger  guard  upwards, 
the  butt  resting  upon  the  right  forearm  ;  straighten  the 
right  leg,  the  upper  part  of  the  body  thrown  forward. 

2.  Resume  the  guard. 

Thrust  four — ARMS.     (Fig.  15.) 

1.  Direct  quickly  the  point  of  the  bayonet  on  the  right 
breast  of  the  adversary,   the  lock  downward,  the   piece 
under  the  left  arm,  the  butt-plate  against  the  breast,  the 
left  arm  extended,  with  the  left  hand  holding  the  piece, 
the  right  hand  remaining  at  the  small  of  the  stock,  the 
right  leg  straight,  the  upper  part  of  the  body  forward. 

2.  Resume  the  guard. 

Thrust  one — ARMS.     (Two motions.) 
1,  Take  the  position  of  parry  one;  and  thrust  by  ex- 


6?  up  de 


BAYONET   EXERCISE.  35 

tending  the  arms, — the  point  of  the  bayonet  directed  on 
the  belly  of  your  adversary,  just  below  the  belt. 
2.  Resume  the  guard.    * 

(This  thrust  can  be  advantageously  parried  with  the 
butt,  and  can  be  replied  to  by  the  thrust  four,  or  a  cut  or 
blow,  as  shown  in  fig.  16.) 

Thrust  two — ARMS. 

Take  the  position  of  parry  two,  and  thrust  by  extend- 
ing the  arms  as  in  thrust  one. 

Against  cavalry ,  thrust — ONE.     (Three  motions.} 
(Fig.  17.) 

1.  Raise  the  piece  with  both  hands,  the  arms  extended, 
the  trigger  guard  upward,  the  band  between  the  thumb 
and  fingers  of  the  left  hand. 

2.  Bend  the  left  knee  and  straighten  the  right  knee, 
thrusting  at  the  height  of  a  man  on  horseback. 

3.  Resume  the  guard. 


AGAINST  INFANTRY. 
With  the  lutt  strike — ARMS.  (Three  motions.')  (Fig.  18.) 

1.  Extend  quickly  the  right  arm  to  its  full   length, 
draw  back  the  piece  with  the  left  to  within  five  inches  of 
the  breast;  straighten  the  right  knee;   strike  the  adver- 
sary in  the  lower  part  of  the  belly,  with  the  toe  of  the  butt. 

2.  Then  on  the  head,  with  the  barrel,  by  drawing  back 
the  right  hand,  using  the  left  as  a  pivot. 

3.  Resume  guard. 

Shortened  stroke — ARMS.     (Three  motions.) 
(Figs.  19  and  20.) 

1.  Jerk  the  piece  back  with  the  left  hand,  which  will 
be  placed  near  the  upper  band,  the  left  forearm  touching 
the  oody,  the  right  hand  seizing  the  piece  at  the  tail-band. 

2.  Straighten  the  right  knee;  extend  quickly  the  left 
arm  its  full  length  in  thrusting. 

3.  Resume  the  guard. 


36 


BAYONET   EXERCISE. 


Coup  de  melee — ARMS.      (Three  motions.)      (Fig.  21.) 

1.  Pitch  up  the  piece  with  both  hands  to  the  height 
of  the  chin,  and  about  three  inches  from  it,  seize  it  with 
right  hand  (the  back  of  it  turned  outwards)  at  the  tail- 
band,   and  with   the  left  hand  at  the  middle  band,  the 
back  of  it  turned  inwards. 

2.  Thrust,  straightening  the  right  knee,   and   bring 
back  the  piece — the  right  hand  opposite  the  shoulder. 

3.  Give  the  piece  a  rotary  motion  in  that  hand  (the 
right)  with   the  left  hand,  which   leaves  the  hold  of  the 
piece  to  seize  it  again  in  front  of  the  right  hand ;  place 
the  latter  at  the  small  of  the  stock;  resuming  the  guard. 


FOURTH   LESSON. 

COMBINED  MOTIONS,  PARRIES  AND  THRUSTS,  STANDING 
FAST. 

3.  Parry  three,  and  thrust 
3.      "      four,      «        " 


3. 
3. 
4. 
4. 
4. 
4. 
4. 
4. 
4. 


one, 


two, 

three  and  four,  thrust  four 


r 


ARMS. 


four  and  three,      "      three 

one  and  two,          "      two 

two  and  one,          "      one 

one  and  three,       u      three 

two  and  four,         u      four 

two  and  three,       "      three 
6.  With  butt  parry,  and  strike 
6.       "       "        "      shorten  stroke 
3.      «       "        "      thrust  four 
6.  Body  and  head  parry — Coup  de  melee 
3.  Head  parry  against  cavalry — Thrust  one 

The  figures  indicate  the  number  of  motions  in  exe- 
cuting the  commands  to  which  they  are  prefixed. 


FIFTH    LESSON. 


In  this  lesson,  which  is  preparatory  instruction  to 
the  sixth,  one  must  proceed  after  the  following  principles. 


BAYONET   EXERCISE.  37 

The  thrusts  are  delivered  standing  fast,  and  after  a  mo- 
tion forward.  The  parries  are  made  when  standing  fast, 
and  after  a  motion  backward.  One  may  execute,  indif- 
ferently, either  a  thrust  or  a  parry  after  the  following 
motions :  Right  or  left  face.  Right  about  or  left  about 
face.  A  pace  to  the  right  or  to  the  left.  The  commands 
relating  to  the  legs,  must  always  precede  those  relating 
to  the  arms.  A  command  must  include  only  one  motion 
of  the  legs  with  one  thrust  or  one  parry,  as — 

Extend — lunge  one,                             March.  (2  motions.) 

One  pace  forward — lunge  two,  "  4  " 

"       "     backward — parry  one,  "  4  " 

Passade  forward — lunge  three,  "  4  " 

"       backward — with  butt  parry,  "  6  " 
"       forward,    against    cavalry — 

parry  one,  "  3  " 

*  Leap  to  the  rear — parry  two,  "  2  " 

*  "         u  head  and  body  parry,  "        4         " 


SIXTH   LESSON. 

MOVEMENTS  FORWARD—  THRUSTS  AND  PARRIES. 
MOVEMENTS  BACKWARD—  PARRIES  AND  THRUSTS. 

f  Extend,  lunge  one,  parry  three,       March.  (3  motions.) 
One  pace  forward,  lunge  two,  parry 


four, 

a 

5 

a 

" 

backward,    parry  four  and 

thrust  four, 

u 

5 

u 

Passade  forward,  parry  three  (or  four),          ^ 

shorten  stroke, 

tt 

6 

" 

" 

backward,   with  butt  parry, 

and  strike, 

« 

:8 

»< 

u 

backward,  with  butt  parry, 

shorten  stroke, 

u 

8" 

« 

u 

backward,  with  butt  parry, 

thrust  four, 

u 

7 

(t 

*  To  parry  with  the  leap,  the  parry  is  made  at  the  same  time  with  the 
leap. 

f  The  lunge  is  made  in  the  same  time  with  the  extension,  and  the  parry 
in  the  same  time,  and  when  in  the  act  of  resuming  guard. 
4 


38  BAYONET   EXERCISE. 

Passade    forward,     against     cavalry, 

thrust  one,  head  parry,     March.  (5  motions.) 
Leap  to  the  rear,  parry  two,   thrust 

two,  "        3         " 

fe         "        body  and  head  parry, 

Coup  de  melee,  "        7         " 

After  the  motions,  face  to  the  right  or  left,  right  or 
left  about  face,  one  pace  to  the  right  or  to  the  left,  one 
can  execute  indifferently  the  thrusts  and  parries  or  the 
parries  and  thrusts  of  this  lesson. 


BAYONET  EXERCISE, 

WITH  THE  RIFLE  AND  SABRE  BAYONET. 

1.  In  teaching  this  exercise,  the  men  will  be  placed  in 
one  rank,  at  a  distance  of  four  paces  from  each  other,  in 
order  that  they  may  not  be  able  to  meet  when  vaulting. 

2.  The  men  being  at  a  light  infantry  shoulder;  the 
instructor  will  command : 

1.  Guard  against  Infantry  (PI.  1). 

2.  GUARD.     (Two  motions.) 

3.  1st  motion:  Make  a  half-face  to  the  right  on  both 
heels,  the  feet  square ;  raise  at  the  same  time  the  piece  a 
little,  and  seize  it  with  the  left  hand  below  and  near  the 
middle  band. 

4.  2d  motion  :  Bring  the  right  leg  to  the  rear  perpen- 
dicularly, about  eighteen   inches,   the  right  heel  on  the 
same  line  with  the  left;  the  knees  a  little  bent,  the  weight 
of  the  body  bearing  equally  on  both  legs ;  lower  the  piece 
with  both  hands,  the  barrel  upward,  the  left  elbow  press- 
ing against  the  body ;  seize  at  the  same  time  the  piece 
below  the  trigger-guard  with  the  right  hand ;  the  arms 
hanging  naturally,  the  point  of  the  bayonet  slightly  ele- 
vated. 

Shoulder — ARMS.     (One  motion.) 

5.  liaise  the  piece  with  the  left  hand ;  place  it  against 
the  right  shoulder;  bring  at  the  same  time  the  right  heel 
on  the  alignment  of  the  left,  and  face  to  the  front. 


* 


BAYONET   EXERCISE.  39 

1.  Guard  against  Cavalry.     (PI.  2.) 

2.  GUARD.     (Two  motions.) 

6.  The  first  and  the  second  motions  as  in  the  guard 
against  infantry,  with  the  exception  that  the  right  hand 
will  be  fixed  at  the  hip,  and  the  bayonet  as  high  as  the 
eye,  as  in  the  position  of  charge  bayonet. 

7.  The  meq  placed  in  either  of  the  above  positions, 
will  execute  the  following  motions : 

1.  Face  to  the  right  (or  left). 

2.  Right  (or  left}— FACE. 

8.  Turn  on  the  left  heel,  by  raising  the  toe,  and  face 
to  the  right  (or  left) ;  at  the  same  time  bring  the  right 
foot  to  the  rear,  at  eighteen  inches. 

1.  Face  to  the  right  about. 

2.  Right  about — FACE. 

9.  At  the  command  face,  turn  to  the  right  on  the  left 
heel,  by  raising  the  toe  a  little;  face  to  the  rear  without 
changing  the  position  of  the  piece,  and   bring  the  right 
foot  to  the  rear,  at  eighteen  inches  from  the  left. 

1.  Face  to  the  left  about. 

2.  Left  about — FACE. 

10.  Turn  to  the  left  on  the  left  heel  by  the  inverse 
means  of  that  above  prescribed. 

1.    One  pace  forward.     2.  MARCH. 

11.  At  the  command  march,  carry  first  the  right  foot 
against  the  left  heel,  and  then  the  left  foot  at  eighteen 
inches  to  the  front. 

1.    One  pace  backward.     2.  MARCH. 

12.  At  the  command  march,  carry  first  the  left  foot 
close  to  the  right,  and  then  the  latter  at  eighteen  inches 
to  the  rear. 

1.   One  pace  to  the  right.     2.  MARCH. 

13.  Carry  the  right  foot  eighteen  inches  to  the  right 
in  the  same  direction;  bring  immediately  the  left  foot  in 
front,  at  its  distance,  and  in  its  position. 


40  BAYONET   EXERCISE. 

1.    One  pace  to  the  left.     2.  MARCH. 

14.  Carry  the  left  foot  eighteen   inches  to  the  left ; 
bring  immediately  the  right  foot  at  its  distance  and  in  its 
position. 

1.  Passade  forward.     2.  MARCH. 

15.  Carry  the  right  foot  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the 
left;  bring  quickly  the  left  foot  eighteen  inches  in  front, 
and  preserve  the  position  of  the  guard. 

1.  Passade  backward.     2.  MARCH. 

16.  Carry  the  left  foot  twelve  inches  in  the  rear  of  the 
right;  bring  quickly  the  right  foot  eighteen  inches  in  the 
rear  of  the  left;  preserve  the  position  of  the  guard. 

1.    Volt  to  the  right.     2.  MARCH. 

17.  Bring  the  piece  near  the  body  with  the  left  hand, 
the  barrel  opposite  the  left  shoulder,  without  moving  the 
right  hand ;  turn  to  the  right  on  the  toe  of  the  right  foot, 
planting  the  left  foot  perpendicularly  to  the  rear  at  eigh- 
teen inches ;  finish  the  volt  by  turning  the  toe  of  the  left 
foot,  and  bringing  the  right  foot  to  the  rear  and  at  its 
distance ;  resume  the  guard  at  the  same  time. 

1.   Volt  to  the  left.     2.  MARCH. 

18.  Turn  to  the  left  on  the  toe  of  the  right  foot;  plant 
the  left  foot   perpendicularly  to  the  rear,   at  eighteen 
inches;  and  finish  the  volt  by  inverse  means  of  that  above 
prescribed. 

19.  When  the  men,  at  home  in  those  different  posi- 
tions, will  be  able  to  execute  with  precision  and  quickness 
the  divers  paces  and  volts,  they  will  be  taught  the  use  of 
their  weapon  for  attack  and  defence. 

1.  In  carte  parry.     2.  ARMS. 

20.  At  the  2d  command,  raise  the  muzzle  of  the  piece 
twelve  inches  with   the  left   hand,  without   moving  the 
right;  at  the  same  time  move  the  piece  about  six  inches 
to  the  left,  and  remain  in  that  position. 

Resume  Guard. 

21.  Lower  quickly  the  left  hand,  without  moving  the 
right,  and  bring  the  piece  to  the  position  of  the  guard. 


BAYONET   EXERCISE.  41 

22.  Each  time   the  instructor  causes  the  parries  and 
the  thrusts  to  be  executed,  he  will  cause  the  guard  to  be 
resumed  at  the  end  of  each  motion,  by  the  command, 
resume  guard. 

1.  In  tierce  parry.     2.  ARMS. 

23.  Raise  quickly   the    muzzle  of   the  piece    twelve 
inches  with  the  left  hand,  without  moving  the  right;  at 
the  same    time  move  the  piece  with  the  left  hand  six 
inches  to  the  right. 

1.  In  prime  parry.     2.  ARMS.     (PI.  3.) 

24.  Eaise  the  piece  with  both  hands,  the  arms  fully 
extended,   the  piece  covering  the  head,   the   lock  plate 
turned  towards  the  body,  the  barrel  grasped  by  the  thumb 
and  forefinger  of  the  left  hand,  the  bayonet   menacing, 
although  slightly  inclined  to  the  left,  the  tail-band  at  the 
top  of  the  hat. 

1.  In  prime  right  (or  left)  parry.     2.  ARMS. 

25.  Advance  the  left  shoulder  (or  the  right  shoulder) 
and  parry  (as  explained  in  24)  to  the  right  (or  to  the  left.) 

1.  In  carte  thrust.     2.  ARMS.     (PI.  4.) 

26.  At  the  second  command,  throw  the  weight  of  the 
body  forward ;  bend  the  left  knee  and  straighten  the  right; 
extend  the  left  arm  in  full,  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand 
being  open  and  maintaining  the  piece;  bringing  the  butt 
before  the  left  breast,  the  lock-plate  turned  downward ; 
and  remain  in  that  position  until  the  command  resume 
guard. 

1.  In  tierce  thrust.     2.  ARMS.     (PI.  5.) 

27.  Bring  the  upper  part  of  the  body  forward ;  straighten 
the  right  knee  and  bend  the  left ;  fully  extend  the  left 
arm,  the   fingers  of  the  left  hand  being  open  and  main- 
taining the  piece,  the  lock-plate  turned  upward,  the  butt 
before  the  right  breast. 

1.  In  prime  thrust.     2.   ARMS.     (PL  6.) 

28.  Elevate  the  piece  with  both  hands,  the  arms  being 
extended,  the  trigger-guard  upward,  the  barrel  between 


42  BAYONET   EXERCISE. 

the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  left  hand;  bend  the  left 
knee  and  straighten  the  right,  thrust  at  the  same  time 
the  piece  to  the  adversary,  directing  the  blow  at  the  height 
of  a  man  on  horseback. 

1.  In  prime  to  the  right  (or  left)  thrust. 

2.  ARMS. 

29.  Advance  the  left  shoulder  (or  the  right  shoulder) 
and  thrust  to  the  right  (or  to  the  left)  as  explained  in  28. 

1.  Lunge.     2.  ARMS.  (PL  7.) 

30.  At  the  2d  command,  throw  the  upper  part  of  the 
body  forward,  by  bending  the  left  knee  and  straightening 
the  right;  thrust  rapidly  the  piece  at  the  adversary,  fully 
extending  the  right  arm,  leaving  off  with  the  left  hand 
when  thrusting,  which  is  kept  extended  to  receive  the 
piece,  and  resume  the  guard. 

31.  When   the  men  are  on  guard   against  infantry, 
they  will  thrust  at  the  height  of  the  breast  of  a  man ; 
when  on  guard  against  cavalry,  they  will  aim  the  blow 
at  the  height  of  a  horse's  head,  or  of  the  sides  of  a 
horseman. 

32.  When  the  men  are  perfectly  acquainted  with  the 
divers  paces,  parries,  and  thrusts,  the  instructor  will  cause 
them  to  execute  those  divers  motions  put  together,  at  the 
command  march.     Example : 

1.  Passade  forward,  in  prime  parry  and  thrust. 

2.  MARCH. 

33.  At  the  2d  command,  the  man  will  execute  the 
passade,  parry  in  prime,  and  thrust  in  prime. 

34.  As  one  must  admit  the  case  when  one   single 
man  will  be  in  the  necessity  of  defending  himself  against 
two  or  three  adversaries,  the  instructor  will  cause   the 
double   motions   and  thrusts   to   be  executed,   and    that 
will  add  considerably  to  the  address  and  nimbleness  of 
the  men.     Example : 

1.    One  pace  forward,  lunge,  volt  to  the  left,  in  carte 
parry  and  thrust.     2.  MARCH. 

35.  At  the  2d  command,  march  forward,  lunge,  then 
execute  the  volt,  parry  carte,  and  thrust  carte. 


* 


EXERCISE   WITH   THE   PLASTRON.  43 


EXERCISE  WITH  THE  PLASTRON. 

In  the  lesson  with  the  plastron,  the  same  progression  is 
followed  as  in  the  figurative  lesson. 

In  order  to  obtain  more  rapidity  in  the  execution  of 
the  motions,  the  pace  forward  and  the  pace  backward 
will  be  executed  on  the  command,  advance,  retreat;  as 
for  the  other  motions  of  the  arms  and  legs,  the  commands 
arms  and  march  are  suppressed. 

After  the  parries  have  been  executed  separately  they 
will  be  executed  by  two,  three,  four,  five,  and  six,  together. 

In  the  lesson  with  the  plastron,  the  Extension]  (fig.  2) 
always  accompanies  the  lunge  one,  the  lunge  two,  the 
thrusts  three,  four,  one,  and  two. 

The  blows  with  the  butt  and  the  shortened  stroke 
are  generally  delivered  standing  fast,  and  after  a  parry. 

When  the  shortened  stroke  is  used  it  must  be  repeated 
three  times.  One  must  not  return  the  lunges  one,  two, 
or  three,  after  the  parry  four  or  the  parry  one,  except 
when  the  bayonet  of  the  adversary  has  been  well  thrown 
off  the  line  of  carte,  (the  left  side  of  the  body) ;  other- 
wise one  is  exposed  to  receive  a  blow  at  the  same  time. 

The  lunge  three  is  not  to  bo  used  against  an  infantry 
soldier,  except  with  the  greatest  circumspection,  because 
it  leaves,  when  parried,  the  man  at  the  mercy  of  his  ad- 
versary; never  " extend"  when  delivering  it. 

When  the  blow  with  the  butt  is  delivered  after  parry 
three,  the  bayonet  must  pass  over  the  right  shoulder; 
on  the  contrary,  it  must  pass  over  the  left  shoulder,  if 
after  parry  four. 

Salute.  (Figs.  22  and  23.) 

When  t^>  men  are  about  to  proceed  to  a  fencing- 
match,  the  salute  will  be  made  in  the  following  manner  : 
Being  at  a  light  infantry  carry,  take  the  guard,  and  en- 
gage the  end  of  the  bayonet  in  carte ;  make  two  appeals, — 
that  is,  strike  the  ground  twice,  smartly,  with  the  left 
foot, — and  immediately  after  take  the  erect  position,  by 


44  EXERCISE   WITH   THE   PLASTRON. 

bringing  the  right  heel  against  the  left,  so  that  the  feet 
be  square  to  each  other;  raise  at  the  same  time  the  piece 
against  the  right  shoulder,  the  left  arm  on  the  breast, 
the  hand  at  the  height  of  the  shoulder;  salute  to  the 
right  by  presenting  the  piece  towards  that  side, — that  is 
to  say,  by  turning  the  ramrod  to  the  right,  the  piece 
being  perpendicular  opposite  to  the  shoulder;  turn,  also, 
the  head  to  the  right ;  salute  to  the  left  by  similar  mo- 
tions of  the  piece  and  head ;  bring  back  the  piece  oppo- 
site the  middle  of  the  body  to  salute  the  adversary  by 
lowering,  a  little,  both  hands ;  resume  the  guard ;  make 
two  "  appeals ;  "  then  the  fencing  begins. 

Materiel  (Fig.  24.) 

The  materiel  in  the  fencing-room  should  consist  of 
plastrons  of  buckskin,  masks  and  gloves,  as  for  fencing 
with  the  broadsword  (the  left  hand  only  should  re- 
quire a  glove) ;  muskets  made  of  ash  or  hickory,  and 
gutta  percha  bayonets;  also,  a  lance  and  a  sabre,  pre- 
pared as  the  bayonet,  to  be  used  in  sham-fights  against  a 
horseman. 


SUGGESTIONS.  45 

SUGGESTIONS  FOR  THE  SOLDIER  IN  A  FIGHT. 

HOW  TO  FIGHT  A  FOOT  SOLDIER. 

When  the  bayonets  are  engaged  for  a  fight,  if  your 
adversary  succeeds,  by  means  of  a  strong  pressure,  to 
move  your  piece  towards  the  right  or  left,  it  will  be 
necessary  then  to  yield  to  that  pressure  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  parry  one  or  two ;  if,  for  instance,  the  pressure 
is  felt  towards  the  left,  yield  in  the  same  manner,  parry 
two  and  thrust  two,  and  return  to  the  position  of  parry 
one,  or  parry  two,  according  to  circumstances.  When 
attacked  by  two  infantry  soldiers  marching  without 
interval  between  them,  wait  for  them  in  front  in  a  de- 
fensive attitude,  and,  as  soon  as  they  are  within  reach, 
deliver  lunge  three  and  pass  to  the  right,  if  the  lunge  is 
delivered  against  the  man  on  the  left ;  by  inverse  means 
one  should  pass  to  the  left,  if  the  lunge  was  delivered 
against  the  man  on  the  right.  If  the  blow  has  taken 
effect,  the  fight  will  be  continued  with  the  next  man; 
but,  admitting  that  the  lunge  was  parried  by  the  former, 
the  motion  of  passing  to  the  right  (or  left)  has  brought 
you  to  the  right  (or  left)  flank,  and  given  you  time  for 
new  thrusts  against  your  adversary,  as  the  other  man, 
until  he  has  also  shifted  his  position,  is  masked  by  the 
one  you  have  engaged. 

If  the  two  adversaries  are  advancing  with  an  inter- 
val between  them,  with  the  view  of  attacking  by  the 
flanks  and  placing  you  between  them,  rush  diagonally 
against  the  man  on  your  right,  or  that  on  your  left,  at- 
tack him  vigorously,  and  force  him  to  turn  his  back  to 
the  other  man  when  facing  you.  If  the  two  adversaries 
are  advancing  in  order  to  close  upon  you,  the  one  in 
front,  the  other  in  the  rear,  then  run  to  meet  one  of  them 
in  order  to  attack  him  and  to  turn  him,  as  above. 

In  a  crowd,  use  the  coup  de  melee;  and  against  seve- 
ral adversaries,  with  room  enough  for  fencing,  take  the 
guard  of  parr?/  two  or  parry  one,  and  make  volts,  de- 
livering a  thrust  each  time  you  turn. 


46  SUGGESTIONS. 

How  to  Fight  a  Horseman. 

The  streDgth  of  a  horseman  lies  in  his  individual 
address  and  audacity  much  more  than  in  his  arms,  which 
are  little  to  be  feared  by  a  man  skilled  in  the  use  of  the 
bayonet.  A  wary  horseman  is  careful  not  to  approach 
an  infantry  man  as  long  as  the  foot-soldier  has  a  load  in 
his  gun.  He  will  ride  about,  at  a  distance  of  a  hundred 
paces  or  more,  and  fire  with  pistols  or  carbine,  in  order 
to  draw  the  fire  of  the  foot-soldier.  In  such  a  case  the 
foot-soldier  will  take  his  aim  at  the  horseman  at  the 
instant  the  horseman  is  firing,  and  go  through  the  motions 
of  taking  cartridge,  priming,  &c.,  in  order  to  induce  the 
belief  that  his  piece  is  not  loaded. 

The  infantry  soldier  who  is  a  good  shot,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  a  good  Layonetsman,  waits,  standing  fast,  for 
the  horseman  who  charges  him.  He  takes  aim  at  his 
adversary,  and  fires  as  soon  as  the  latter  is  within  six  or 
eight  yards  distance;  immediately  after  firing  he  takes 
the  left  of  the  horseman,  if  he  does  not  already  occupy 
that  position.  The  footman  must  always  manage  to  oc- 
cupy that  position,  which  is  the  least  advantageous  to  the 
horseman,  who  has  less  facility  for  handling  his  sabre  to 
his  left  than  to  his  right.  A  dead-shot  aims  at  the  man ; 
an  ordinary  shot  aims  at  the  horse,  and  runs  up  to  the 
horseman  as  he  falls;  and  the  defeat  of  the  horseman  is 
then  an  easy  matter. 

However,  a  man  nimble  and  confident  in  his  weapon, 
although  taking  aim  at  his  adversary,  holds'his  fire.  He 
uses  first  his  bayonet,  and  only  fires  when  the  horseman 
has  passed  him,  or  even  later,  when  he  thinks  it  necessary 
to  bring  the  fight  to  an  end. 

If  the  horseman  is  armed  with  a  sabre,  he  cannot  reach 
further  than  two  yards,  and  the  infantry  soldier,  by 
placing  himself  at  that  distance,  only  looks  for  an  oppor- 
tunity of  delivering  the  lunge  three,  by  means  of  which 
he  is  able  to  reach  the  horseman  at  a  distance  of  three 
yards.  If  the  horseman  manages  to  get  near  enough  to 
the  man  to  have  him  within  reach  of  his  sabre,  then  the 
infantry  soldier  will  parry  three  and  four  by  presenting 
his  piece  vertically,  and  taking  care  to  lower  the  piece, 


SUGGESTIONS.  47 

and  to  protect  the  fingers  of  his  left  hand  behind  the 
barrel.  He  takes  the  guard  of  head  parry  (fig.  9),  and 
returns  by  the  thrust  against  cavalry  (fig.  17),  or  by  the 
lunge  three,  which  is  used  principally  against  cavalry. 

When  the  horseman  is  armed  with  a  lance,  the  two 
adversaries  can  reach  from  the  same  distance.  The  foot- 
soldier  will  avoid  the  first  shock,  or  any  blow  which 
participates  in  the  momentum  acquired  by  the  impulsion 
of  the  horse ;  whether  he  happens  to  be  placed  to  the  left 
or  to  the  right,  he  must,  when  parrying,  throw  his  piece 
in  the  direction  of  the  motion  of  the  horse.  When  he 
has  succeeded  in  warding  off  the  blow  of  his  adversary, 
he  closes  as  quickly  as  possible,  if  the  horseman  keeps 
circling  around  him,  and  multiplies  his  attacks  with  the 
bayonet.  The  lancer,  in  close  quarters,  finds  great  diffi- 
culty in  parrying  and  thrusting.  A  skillful  horseman, 
who  can  cause  the  infantry  soldier  to  lose  his  self-possesion 
(sang  fr oid),  will  have  the  advantage  of  him  •  but,  if  the 
latter  keeps  cool,  with  his  gun  loaded,  he  will  be  able  to 
conquer  one,  and  even  two  horsemen. 

A  foot-soldier  who  has  been  engaged  in  or  witnessed  a 
fight  with  a  horseman,  is  soon  convinced  of  the  superiority 
of  his  means,  and  cannot  be  scared  by  the  impetuous 
charge  of  his  adversary. 

If  the  horseman  comes  direct  upon  the  infantry  soldier, 
the  latter  will  deliver  the  lunge  three  on  the  mouth  of 
the  horse,  and  make  a  step  to  the  right,  parrying  four  at 
the  same  time,  if  the  horseman  be  armed  with  a  sabre; 
on  the  contrary,  he  will  pass  to  the  left,  if  the  horseman 
be  a  lancer,  and  parry  three;  returning  the  thrust  one 
against  cavalry  (fig.  17),  if  the  adversary  is  near  enough, 
and  lunge  three,  if  not. 

The  most  critical  position  for  the  foot-soldier  is  that  in 
which  he  finds  himself  opposed  to  a  skillful  adversary,  who 
will  charge  him  impetuously  in  front,  and  suddenly  oblique 
to  the  left,  at  a  distance  of  ten  paces,  then  oblique  to  the 
right  again,  in  order  to  keep  his  man  on  his  right.  This 
circular  motion  has  a  tendency  to  bewilder  the  footman 
and  make  him  dizzy.  The  foot-soldier  will  then  tuke  his 
stand  at  nine  feet  from  the  horseman,  parry  three  and 


48  SUGGESTIONS. 

four,  making  paces  to  the  right  and  lunging  three  when- 
ever an  opportunity  occurs. 

If  the  foot-soldier  wishes  to  get  out  of  the  circle  in 
which  the  trooper  has  placed  him,  he  will  direct  himself 
by  the  shortest  way  to  the  rear  of  the  horseman,  and  lunge 
three  against  the  sides  of  the  man  or  the  horse. 

If  the  horseman  comes  out  unhurt,  and  makes  to  the 
right,  taking  a  circuitous  road,  in  order  to  keep  again  the 
foot  soldier  to  his  right,  go  straight  to  the  front  of  the 
trooper,  and  strike  the  head  of  the  horse. 

If  the  trooper,  instead  of  taking  a  roundabout  way, 
makes  right  about  face,  in  order  to  sabre  the  foot-soldier 
on  his  right,  one  must,  in  such  a  case,  close  at  once  with 
the  horseman,  from  behind  and  at  his  left ;  and  that  ought 
to  be  done  at  the  instant  that  the  trooper  slackens  the 
motion  of  his  horse  in  order  to  right  about  face.  As  soon 
as  the  foot-soldier  has  closed  on  the  left;  he  will  lunge 
three  on  the  left  side  of  the  horseman. 

Against  two  horsemen,  the  fencing  will  be  carried  on 
according  to  the  same  principles  as  against  two  infantry 
soldiers.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  repeat  that  composure 
of  mind,  coolness,  and  resolution,  are  the  requisites,  in 
such  encounters;  in  order  to  insure  success. 


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